A Buncrana man has signalled his intention to plead guilty to manslaughter when his case comes before the Circuit Court later this year.
Kevin Grant, of 21 Parkmore, Buncrana, appeared before Buncrana District Court, where he was sent forward for trial on a signed guilty plea to Letterkenny Circuit Court.
It is alleged that Mr Grant (37) did unlawfully kill James Devine at Main Street, Clonmany on May 12, 2024.
Mr Devine (66), a much-loved father-of-four from Raphoe, suffered catastrophic head injuries after being struck by a vehicle, which fled the scene. He died in hospital a few days later.
Several members of Mr Devine’s heartbroken family were present in court for the proceedings, while Mr Grant stood with his mother at the back of the courtroom.
A signed guilty plea means that Mr Grant has admitted the manslaughter offence in the District Court, but he still has the option to reverse his plea when his case comes before the Circuit in a little over three months’ time.
Judge Eiteain Cunningham made an order returning the accused to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court.
“I’m noting that the DPP consents to the accused being sent forward on a signed plea to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court, which commences on October 28,” she said.
“I’m noting the [guilty] plea has now been signed before this court.”
The judge addressed the defendant: “I’m now going to give you the alibi warning; I’m going to do that notwithstanding the signed plea in case there is a vacation at any stage.”
“If you continue to rely on alibi evidence in the defence of your case at the Circuit Court, you must give written notice to the State Solicitor within fourteen days – and your solicitor will explain that further to you.”
Judge Cunningham also made the “usual Section 56 order” – that all copies of Garda interviews are shared with the defence – despite the guilty plea.
Mr Grant was represented by Barrister Ciaran Elders, who applied for a second counsel, given the gravity of the charge against his client.
Garda Inspector Sean McDaid showed his surprise that a second counsel would be needed, given the signed guilty plea in the case, but he did agree that “the charges are very serious”.
Mr Grant was released on continuing bail, the terms of which were agreed by all parties.
The Buncrana man is also charged with a series of additional road traffic offences – including failing to report the occurrence of a collision and failing to keep the vehicle at the scene – and these were adjourned to Buncrana District Court on January 8, 2026.
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