A judge has said delays in the trial of a man accused of causing the death by dangerous driving of eight people in Inishowen almost four years ago were “simply not good enough.”
Accused: Shaun Kelly.
Judge Keenan Johnson was speaking when Shaun Kelly (24) from Hill Road, Ballymaggan, Buncrana, appeared before him today at Letterkenny Circuit Court.
The case was adjourned last week to allow the DPP to identify a psychologist to carry out an assessment of him.
However, prosecuting counsel Patricia McLaughlin told Judge Johnson the psychologist identified by the DPP was no longer providing assessments for court.
She said the State had made extensive enquiries following last week’s adjournment.
Two experts at the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin had been identified but the State had been unable to contact them despite phone calls and letters being sent.
Judge Johnson said the delay in finding an expert was “simply not good enough.”
He ordered the DPP to find an expert by Thursday.
The judge also said the expert should be in a position to carry out a psychological assessment “within seven to ten days” of this Thursday to allow a fitness to plea hearing to take place.
Judge Johnson said it “just beggars belief” that the case was continuing to “drag” on.
Ms McLaughlin said the State had only received medical reports from the defence before last week’s hearing.
She said she wanted to “apologise to the court” for the delays.
Judge Johnson adjourned the case until Thursday.
The men who died in the crash in Clonmany, Co Donegal, on 11 July, 2010 were: Hugh Friel (66), Urris, Clonmany, Eamon McDaid (22)of Ballymagan, Buncrana; Mark McLaughlin, (21) of Ballinahone, Fahan; Paul Doherty (19), of Ardagh, Ballyliffin; Ciaran Sweeney (19), of Ballyliffin; PJ McLaughlin (21), of Rockstown, Burnfoot; James McEleney (23), of Meenaduff, Clonmany and Damien McLaughlin (21), of Umricam, Buncrana.
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