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Clonmany crash accused sent for
trial
08.03.12
THE SOLE survivor of a
crash that claimed the lives of eight men has been
sent forward for trial charged with dangerous
driving causing their deaths.
Shaun Kelly (23), Hill Road, Ballymagan, Buncrana,
Co Donegal, appeared at Buncrana District Court
today where he was sent forward to be tried at
Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court beginning on May
1.
Judge Paul Kelly told the defendant he must inform
the prosecution within fourteen days if he intended
to rely on an alibi as part of his defence.
Mr Kelly faces one charge of dangerous driving
causing the deaths of eight men at Meenaduff between
Clonmany and Buncrana on the Inishowen peninsula on
July 11, 2010. |
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The men who died in the
two-vehicle crash were Hugh Friel (66), Urris,
Clonmany; Mark McLaughlin (21) of Ballinahone, Fahan;
Paul Doherty (19), of Ardagh, Ballyliffin; Ciaran
Sweeney (19), of Ballyliffin; PJ McLaughlin (21), of
Rockstown, Burnfoot; James McEleney (23), of
Meenaduff, Clonmany; Eamon McDaid (22), of
Ballymagan, Buncrana; and Damien McLaughlin (21), of
Umricam, Buncrana.
Judge Kelly granted the accused legal aid to cover
the cost of his defence. Solicitor Ciaran
MacLochlainn told the court the services of one
senior counsel and one junior counsel would be
required.
An earlier hearing was told that the book of
evidence contained more than 200 witness statements
and numerous exhibits including photographs, maps
and video.
There was no objection to bail with Mr MacLochlainn
saying his client had turned up in court "on every
occasion".
The accused was remanded on continuing bail on his
own bond of €500 and an independent surety of €5,000
from his mother, Pauline. |
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