A YOUNG Donegal man has been charged with drink driving and dangerous driving causing the death of a female passenger earlier this year.
Matthew Gallagher (20) of Skerry, Kilmacrennan was before Thursday’s sitting of Letterkenny District Court charged with the offences as well as having no insurance at Main Street, Kilmacrennan in the early hours of February 21st.
Elaine Brady was with Mr Gallagher when the black BMW car he was driving went out of control and struck a pole on the Main Street, Kilmacrennan at 3.45am.
The crash resulted in the death of Ms Brady (29), of Rosemount Kilmacrennan who was pronounced dead at Letterkenny General Hospital.
Sgt Peter Duffy said he arrested Mr Gallagher by arrangement on the morning of the court.
Sgt Duffy told the court that when cautioned in relation to each charge, Mr Gallagher replied “nothing to say”.
Insp Michael Harrison said the DPP had returned the file into the case directing that Mr Gallagher be sent forward to the Circuit Court on indictment.
He added that the book of evidence would be completed within six weeks.
He asked Judge Conal Gibbons to adjourn the matter until the October sitting of the court to allow for the completion of the book of evidence. Insp Harrison said he had no objection to any bail application.
Niall Sheridan, defending, made an application for legal aid as his client was working three days per week. Due to the seriousness of the charges, he said he would be applying for the services of a senior and junior counsel.
Judge Gibbons granted legal aid, however, he said an application for senior and junior counsel could be made at a later court.
He adjourned the case until the October 5th sitting of the District Court to allow for the completion of the book of evidence.
He released Mr Gallagher on his own bail of €300.