Trial of vehicle-testing firm and bus hire company resumes

The trial of a Westmeath vehicle-testing firm and an Offaly bus hire company relating to a fatal school bus crash will continue today after a day of legal argument.

The bus crashed on a bog road outside Clara, Co Offaly on April 4th, 2006, when the back axle came away and the bus flipped over. Schoolboy Michael White (15) died.

The owners of Clara Cabs, Raymond and Ruairí McKeown, River Street, Clara, have pleaded not guilty to six counts related to failing to maintain the 1989 Mercedes bus, two of which relate to the death of the boy.

David O’Reilly, for O’Reilly Commercials Ltd, Ballinalach, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, has pleaded not guilty to four charges relating to testing the bus between August 5th and 6th, 2005.

The trial resumes today before Judge Margaret Heneghan and a jury.