A Buncrana man charged with the manslaughter of a father-of-four has indicated that he will plead guilty.
Kevin Grant, who is charged over the death of James Devine in a hit-and-run incident in Clonmany last year, appeared before Buncrana District Court.
Mr Ciaran Elders BL, barrister for Grant, a 37-year-old of Parkmore, Buncrana, told the court that his client will go forward to Letterkenny Circuit Court on a signed plea.
Grant is charged that on May 12, 2024 that he did unlawfully kill one James Devine contrary to common law.
He is further charged with three charges contrary to section 106 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, namely: failing to report the occurrence of a collision; failing to keep the vehicle at the scene and failing to stop.
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham was told that the paperwork was not ready.
Sergeant Emmet Brady said the matter was previously adjourned to allow the defence “consider their options”.
“A plea is being entered,” Mr Elders informed the court.
The case was adjourned until July 10, 2025 for the signed plea to be formally entered. Grant will then be sent forward to Letterkenny Circuit Court.
Several members of Mr Devine’s family were present in Buncrana courthouse for the short hearing. Mr Devine, of Drumucklagh, Raphoe, died at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin on May 15, 2024 and he was laid to rest in Drumoghill.
The accused man did not appear in on a number of previous occasions.
This time, Grant did appear in person. He was accompanied to court by his mother and the defendant donned a face mask and a pair of sunglasses as he left the courthouse.
When a book of evidence was served on solicitor Mr Pat McMyler in March, Judge Cunningham ordered the appearance of Grant at court.
Legal aid has been granted in the matter. Mr McMyler sought the assignment of two counsel in the case, but Judge Cunningham told him: “I’m not going to do that at this juncture. It would be one junior and then going forward you can certainly make another application in relation to that – but not at this juncture.”
In December, when Grant was brought before the court, Judge Sandra Murphy granted bail upon the accused entering into a bond of €5,000, with €3,000 to be lodged, and also an independent surety of €5,000 being entered, €3,000 of which also had to be lodged to the court.
The court heard that Grant lost his passport so was unable to surrender it at the time. He was ordered not to apply for a new passport or other travel document.
The accused man was placed under a 10pm-5am curfew and told to sign on at a Garda station multiple times each week. He was ordered to have no contact in any way, either directly or indirectly, to include social media or otherwise, with any persons connected to the case and to commit no further offences.
Tags: