A BENCH warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Buncrana man who, again, failed to appear in court to face charges relating to a fatal 2017 crash in Inishowen.
Ricky Fagan (27) of Mulberry Avenue, Buncrana, was charged with driving without insurance and having false number plates at Carbry, Quigley’s Point, in the early hours of April 29, 2017.
He was due to appear at Thursday’s court to be served with a Book of Evidence in relation to a ‘more serious and substantive matter’ on the same date.
However, despite giving assurances to Gardai, Fagan failed to appear at the three previous sittings of the same court.
At the most recent sitting, three weeks ago, Fagan’s solicitor told Judge Paul Kelly that his client had contracted Covid-19 and was unable to attend.
At last week’s court, Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told Judge Alan Mitchell that he had run out of patience.
“We gave him the benefit of doubt on three previous occasions, but he yet again failed to turn up. As a result, I am seeking a bench warrant for his arrest,” Sgt Collins said.
Judge Mitchell granted the order.
In a related matter, Eamon Sweeney (21) of Drumfies was charged with driving without insurance the previous night, April 28, at Carrickmaquigley, Redcastle.
Solicitor for Sweeney, Mr Ciaran MacLochlainn, said at a previous sitting that the case was two-fold. He said Sweeney was charged with driving from Buncrana to Redcastle on the night of April 28 and that Fagan was alleged to have driven afterwards, and crashed, in the early hours of April 29th.
A file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who directed that more serious charges be brought against Fagan in relation to the fatal crash.
Both cases have been adjourned to the June 15 sitting of the court.