Man denies new charge of careless driving causing death of boy

Boy (14) was stuck by car in Dublin almost two years ago

Ruadhan Tracey ( aged 31), who has a current address at Lagore Green, Dunshaughlin, Co . Meath, had already been facing three charges, including one for hit-and-run, at Dublin District Court. Photograph: Stephen Hird/Reuters

A man replied “not guilty” after he was charged yesterday with careless driving causing the death of a 14-year-old boy who was struck by a car in Dublin almost two years ago.

Conor Hickey, from St Attracta Road, Cabra, was hit by a vehicle at the junction of St Eithne Road and Fassaugh Road on the evening of December 2nd, 2011. The student had been on his way to meet a friend when he was struck and he died in hospital the following day.

Ruadhan Tracey (31), who has a current address at Lagore Green, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, had already been facing three charges, including one for hit-and-run, at Dublin District Court.

It has been alleged that on December 2nd, 2011, at Fassaugh Road, he was the driver of an 02-registered car which was involved in causing injuries to Conor Hickey and he failed to remain at the scene.

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Mr Tracey, who is originally from Drumcondra, Dublin, was also accused of driving while not holding a licence and it was alleged he was not insured at the time. That set of proceedings has already been adjourned until September 26th next.

However, Mr Tracey was brought before Judge Alan Mitchell at a District Court in Dublin yesterday to face a fresh and related charge of careless driving causing death.

Det Garda Jonathan Brady told Judge Mitchell that Mr Tracey replied “not guilty” after he was charged on Tuesday.

Mr Tracey did not address the court during the brief hearing, which was attended by Conor Hickey’s parents.

There was no application for bail, and Mr Tracey was remanded in custody to appear before Dublin District Court on September 3th.

The judge agreed to a request from defence solicitor Jenny McGeever to grant Mr Tracey free legal aid.