Driver remanded over fatal truck crash

A TRUCK driver who was involved in a collision in which Vanessa McGarry, wife of Kilkenny goalkeeper James McGarry, and another…

A TRUCK driver who was involved in a collision in which Vanessa McGarry, wife of Kilkenny goalkeeper James McGarry, and another woman died, has been remanded on continuing bail.

Ms McGarry (31) and mother-of-two Mary Lonergan (49) died after their cars were involved in a collision with a lorry and two other vehicles at Kilfane, Co Kilkenny, on July 19th, 2007.

Truck driver Rafal Luszacki and his employer Nolan Transport appeared before Kilkenny District Court yesterday.

State solicitor Gerry Meany said the case had been adjourned pending directions from the DPP on the possibility of more serious charges against the defendants.

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He told Judge William Harnett the matter was “almost ready” and it was being “considered at a high level”. He said he was unable to advance the situation in relation to any future matters which might come before the court.

Michael Lanigan, solicitor for Mr Luszacki, said his client had been before the court since September 22nd last year and asked that a date be fixed for hearing on the charges currently against his client. Mr Luszacki, Rosbercon Court, New Ross, Co Wexford, is charged with failing to secure a load at Stroan, Kilfane, Co Kilkenny, on July 19th, 2007.

He is also charged with having an unlicensed semi-trailer, having no certificate of roadworthiness and failing to produce a certificate of road-worthiness.

Nolan Transport, Oaklands, New Ross, Co Wexford, is charged with being the owner of an unlicensed semi-trailer and having no certificate of roadworthiness.

The collision on the N9 Dublin to Waterford road at Kilfane, occurred just six months after the McGarrys were married at a ceremony in the US.

An inquest into the death of Ms McGarry last year found she died as a result of severe head injuries and that Ms Lonergan died from severe chest injuries.

Mr Lanigan made an application yesterday for the State to release all statements on the case to his legal team. Judge Harnett ordered all statements be handed over to solicitors for both defendants and adjourned the matter for mention or for plea to Kilkenny District Court on February 23rd.