MORE THAN 200 witness statements have been taken as part of the prosecution case against a man charged with dangerous driving causing the deaths of eight men in a crash last year.
The accused, Shaun Kelly (23), Hill Road, Ballymagan, Buncrana, Co Donegal, appeared at Buncrana District Court yesterday for service of the book of evidence. However, the court was told the book of evidence was not yet ready.
Mr Kelly is charged with dangerous driving causing the deaths of Donegal men Hugh Friel (66), Urris, Clonmany; Mark McLaughlin (21), of Ballinahone, Fahan; Paul Doherty (19), of Ardagh, Ballyliffin; Ciarán 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.
The crash happened on July 11th, 2010, at Meenaduff, Clonmany, as Mr Friel drove home alone from parish bingo in Buncrana. The seven friends who died in the collision were allegedly all travelling in Mr Kelly’s black VW Passat.
Judge Paul Kelly remanded the defendant on continuing bail for service of the book of evidence on February 9th, 2012.