A MAN has been served with the book of evidence on charges of dangerous driving causing the deaths of eight men in Co Donegal.
Shaun Kelly (23), Ballymagan, Buncrana, was served with the book of evidence by Garda Sgt Carol Doherty at Buncrana District Court shortly before 10.30am yesterday.
It was expected that Mr Kelly would be sent forward for trial to the May sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court. However, the case was adjourned until next month after the defence requested more documentation.
Solicitor Ciarán Mac Lochlainn, defending, requested maps, an original copy of the crash scene photograph, an original copy of an aerial photograph and a copy of a video of the scene.
Mr Mac Lochlainn said there were photocopies included in the book of evidence but they were of “poor quality” and the originals would be “vital” to the defence case. “We’re not trying to delay the matter. We just want to have enough of the evidence in advance to brief counsel,” Mr Mac Lochlainn said.
Garda Insp David Murphy asked for the case to be adjourned for a month to allow the prosecution to provide the documentation requested.
Mr Kelly, the sole survivor of the crash, is charged with dangerous driving causing the deaths of Hugh Friel (66), Urris, Clonmany; Mark McLaughlin (21), Ballinahone, Fahan; Paul Doherty (19), Ardagh, Ballyliffin; Ciarán Sweeney (19), Ballyliffin; PJ McLaughlin (21), Rockstown, Burnfoot; James McEleney (23), Meenaduff, Clonmany; Eamon McDaid (22), Ballymagan, Buncrana, and Damien McLaughlin (21), Umricam, Buncrana.
The crash happened at Glasmullen between Buncrana and Clonmany on July 11th, 2010. Judge Paul Kelly remanded Mr Kelly on continuing bail until March 8th.