Man remanded in custody over fatal Kerry hit-and-run

A 21-year-old Corkman has been remanded in custody after he was charged with dangerous driving causing the death of a 42-year-old father of four in Co Kerry over 18 months ago.

Shane Fitzgerald from Upper Knockeen, Knockduff, Meelin, Newmarket, Co Cork was charged this evening with dangerous driving causing the death of Paudie O'Leary on July 1st 2012.

The charge alleges that Mr Fitzgerald drove in a dangerous manner causing the death of Mr O'Leary at Scrahanfadda, Gneeveguilla, Co Kerry on the date in question.

The body of Mr O’Leary from Leamyglissane, Gneeveguilla was found in a ditch by relatives after he failed to return home on the morning of 1st July 2012 from a training spin for a charity cycle.

Today Mr Fitzgerald was brought before Cork District Court following his extradition back from the UK and he was charged with the sole count of dangerous driving causing death.

Det Sgt Fergal Foley gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

Insp Joe O'Connor told Judge Olann Kelleher that gardaí were objecting to bail and seeking a remand in custody for Mr Fitzgeraldd to appear at Tralee District Court this Wednesday.

Det Sgt Foley said among the grounds on which gardaí were objecting to bail were the seriousness of the charge and the likelihood of a significant sentence if he is convicted after trial by indictment.

He said that gardaí were also objecting on the grounds that Mr Fitzgerald was a flight risk as he had left the country within 20 hours of the alleged incident and went first to the UK and then Australia.

The Judge remanded Mr Fitzgerald in custody to appear at Tralee District Court on Wednesday.