Man appears in court over fatal hit-and-run in Dublin

A 45-year-old man has appeared in court accused of causing a hit-and-run crash in west Dublin in which a husband and wife were killed.

John Halpin, of Whitestown Avenue in Dublin, appeared at the city’s District Court on Monday following the incident on Boxing Day and was remanded into custody.

Anthony Hogg, 40, and his wife, Georgina Hogg Moore, 39, were fatally injured in the collision in Blanchardstown Road North at about 5.45pm on Thursday.

Mrs Hogg Moore was pronounced dead at the scene and Mr Hogg died later in hospital.

Halpin was arrested on Thursday evening.

Appearing in court on Monday wearing a black hoodie, he was charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death and two counts of hit and run, including failing to offer assistance at the scene.

Supporters of Mr Hogg and Mrs Hogg Moore watched proceedings from the public gallery.

Garda Alan Murphy told the court Halpin made no reply when charged.

Solicitor Damien Coffey told the court that no application for bail was being made that day.

An application for legal aid was granted.

Judge Michele Finan said Halpin is to appear again at Cloverhill District Court in the city on Friday.

Meanwhile, a second individual, a woman, was arrested and has since been released without charge.

A vigil was held on Friday at the spot where the couple died, when a group of more than 50 people, some holding balloons, gathered at the site.

Floral tributes have also been left at the scene.

Gardai said they are continuing to investigate the crash, and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them.

In a statement, the force said: “Any road users or pedestrians who were in the vicinity of Blanchardstown Road North, between 5pm and 6pm on Thursday, 26th December 2024, and have camera footage (including dashcam) are asked to make this available to investigating Gardai.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station at 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”