The sole survivor of a crash that claimed the lives of eight men has been sent forward for trial charged with dangerous driving causing their deaths
Shaun Kelly (23), Hill Road, Ballymagan, Buncrana, Co Donegal, appeared at Buncrana District Court yesterday where he was sent forward to be tried at Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court from May 1st.
Judge Paul Kelly granted Mr Kelly legal aid to cover the cost of his defence. Solicitor Ciarán Mac Lochlainn said the services of one senior counsel and one junior counsel would be required.
The book of evidence contained more than 200 witness statements.
He was remanded on continuing bail, including an independent surety of €5,000 from his mother, Pauline.
Mr Kelly faces a charge of dangerous driving causing the deaths of eight men, at Meenaduff between Clonmany and Buncrana on the Inishowen peninsula, on July 11th, 2010.
The men who died in the two- vehicle crash were 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.