Greencastle woman to be sent forward to the Circuit Court over fatal crash

The case of a Greencastle woman accused of careless driving causing death is set to go forward to Letterkenny Circuit Court following a new ruling by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Lynda O’Doherty, of The Links, Greencastle, is also charged with drink driving in relation to a fatal collision that claimed the life of young Buncrana man Jimmy McKenna on June 9, 2024.

Sgt Conor Mulkerns outlined the latest position in the case at Carndonagh District Court, which continues to be heard in Buncrana.

He explained how the DPP has now directed prosecution on indictment at the Circuit Court on one count of careless driving causing death and one count of drink driving.

Sgt Mulkerns said the DPP has consented to the accused being returned for trial, and the Director also consents to the accused being sent forward for sentence on signed guilty pleas.

The DPP had previously consented to the case being heard at the District Court, however Judge Emile Daly refused jurisdiction, ruling that it was too serious to be dealt with at the lower court.

Mr McKenna (aged 25, and pictured above) was walking home with a friend after attending a music concert at the Inishowen Vintage Show weekend, when he was struck by a car in the townland of Ballynally, Moville. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 67-year-old woman accused of causing his death, Mrs O’Doherty, was not present in court for the latest hearing, having been previously excused.

However, Mr McKenna’s heartbroken parents, James and Michelle, were both in attendance in the courtroom, while solicitor Ciaran MacLochlainn told the judge that he continues to “hold a watching brief in this case”.

Judge Daly adjourned the matter to the April 21 sitting of Carndonagh District Court for the service of the Book of Evidence on Mrs O’Doherty, who must be present on that date.