In short

More news from the courts in brief.

More news from the courts in brief.

Inquiry urged into death of motorcyclist

The Dublin county coroner has called on the Health and Safety Authority to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a 22-year-old English amateur motorbike rider who died after he was hit by a high-speed motorbike while competing in a "superbike" race in Mondello Park.

Guy Saunders (22), of Gloucester Road, Hampton, Middlesex, died from shock due to multiple injuries after he was hit by another bike at Mondello Park, Naas, Co Kildare on June 17th.

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Saunders, who had been a competitive motorbike rider since the age of 16, was competing in round six of the British Superbikes Championships, an inquest into his death at Dublin County Coroner's Court heard yesterday.

A jury recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Judgment reserved over €5m costs

The High Court has reserved judgment on the issue of who will pay the estimated €5 million costs of a lengthy court action aimed at securing funding into the future for a particular form of education for a young autistic boy.

The 68-day action by Seán Ó Cuanacháin was regarded as a test case for autistic children seeking education according to the system of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA). His parents sought orders compelling the State to provide funding for education according to ABA but failed to secure these.

Seán was, however, awarded €61,000 damages against the HSE over unreasonable delay in diagnosing his condition and providing appropriate therapies for him.

Neither the State nor the HSE are seeking costs against the boy but are opposing costs being awarded him against them.

Having heard submissions from all sides on the costs issue yesterday, Mr Justice Michael Peart said he hoped to give his judgment very shortly.

Damages actions will proceed

The High Court has rejected an application by the State to adjourn a number of actions for damages by Co Donegal publican Frank McBrearty snr arising from his alleged wrongful treatment by gardaí in Co Donegal.

Mr Justice Paul Gilligan fixed the date for the start of the three actions for next Tuesday's sitting of the High Court in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

The State had sought the adjournment pending conclusion of the current module of the Morris tribunal which is dealing with Mr McBrearty's prosecution and alleged harassment by members of the Garda.