Man (23) charged with dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to two women

A 23-year-old man has appeared before Buncrana District Court charged with dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to two people following a road traffic collision in Inishowen two years ago.

Ryan McEntee, of 125 Carnhill, Derry, will be sent forward to the Circuit Court to face the charge, which arises out of a crash on the evening of Friday, May 17, 2024, at Drumadooey, Burnfoot.

The court heard that two female passengers sustained serious bodily injuries in the collision, which occurred on the main R239 regional road, along a series of bends between Muff and Burnfoot, close to Burnfoot village.

It is alleged that Mr McEntee was driving a Volkswagen Golf dangerously at the time of the impact.

Gardaí arrested the accused at Buncrana Courthouse on March 12 for the purpose of charging him. He was cautioned and made no reply when the charge was put to him.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that directions had been received from the Director of Public Prosecutions to send the case forward for trial on indictment to the Circuit Court. He applied for an adjournment to allow for the preparation of a Book of Evidence.

READ NEXT: Drunk painter was attempting to walk home to Derry from the Buncrana Music Festival

The court was also informed that a previous summary charge of dangerous driving had been withdrawn in light of the more serious allegation now before the court.

Sergeant Collins said the DPP has consented to the matter proceeding on a signed plea, and defence solicitor Ciaran MacLochlainn requested that counsel be assigned to the accused.

Legal Aid had previously been granted to Mr MacLochlainn and was extended to include one junior counsel [barrister].

Mr McEntee did not address the court during the brief hearing. He signed a bail bond and was granted bail without objection or conditions.

The case was adjourned until July 9 for service of the Book of Evidence.