Man to face jury trial over fatal road crash in Cork

THE DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions has directed that a 40-year-old man be tried by judge and jury on charges of dangerous driving…

THE DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions has directed that a 40-year-old man be tried by judge and jury on charges of dangerous driving causing the deaths of two teenagers and falsely imprisoning a third teenager in Cork earlier this year.

Philip Murphy from Killala Gardens in Knocknaheeny faces a charge of dangerous driving causing the deaths of CJ Dolan (16) and Derry O’Callaghan (19) at Harbour View Road in Knocknaheeny on the city’s north side on May 14th.

Mr Murphy also faces charges of drink-driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence on the same occasion. He also faces a charge of falsely imprisoning Darren Lenehan at Hollywood Estate, Blarney Road, Cork on May 13th, 2010, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Last week Garda Daniel Culloty told Cork District Court that all charges related to the one case, and Mr Murphy was remanded in custody to appear again in court yesterday.

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In court yesterday Insp Finbarr O’Sullivan said the DPP directed Mr Murphy be tried on indictment on the dangerous driving causing death and the false imprisonment charges. He applied for a remand in custody for a fortnight to allow for service of documents.

Judge Tim Lucey granted the application and remanded Mr Murphy in continuing custody at Limerick Prison to appear again at Cork District Court on August 18th for service of documents.

Mr Dolan, from Hollywood Estate, Blarney Road, and Mr O’Callaghan from Killala Gardens, Knocknaheeny, were both passengers in a car that was involved in a collision with another vehicle on May 14th. Mr Dolan died at the scene and Mr O’Callaghan died later in hospital.

Gardaí had opposed bail for Mr Murphy with Garda Culloty saying he believed Mr Murphy’s release would lead to tensions in the area.