AUSTRALIA IS seeking the extradition of an Irishman on charges of dangerous driving causing the deaths of two Irish backpackers near the city of Perth almost four years ago.
The High Court was told yesterday that the Australian authorities were seeking the extradition of Eamon Mark Driver (29), Stanley Heights, Slane, Co Meath, on charges of causing the deaths of Colm Reilly (20), Slane, Co Meath, and Kiara Duncan (20), Kentstown, Co Meath, by dangerous driving.
Mr Driver is alleged to have been behind the wheel of a Toyota Corolla hatchback which was involved in a fatal crash that occurred about 10pm-11pm on October 31st, 2007, at Bedford, a suburb of Perth in Western Australia.
At the time of the crash, the car contained six passengers, including Mr Reilly and Ms Duncan.
Mr Driver allegedly lost control of the car at a bend and careered across the centre medium, ploughing into an oncoming vehicle. It is further alleged that he had been travelling too fast at the time.
Mr Reilly was the front-seat passenger and was killed on impact, while Ms Duncan died three days later in hospital. The other passengers in the car sustained various injuries. The crash occurred close to where the group had been staying.
A warrant for Mr Driver’s arrest was issued by the Australian attorney general’s office last year after he failed to appear in Perth magistrate’s court to face charges in connection with the crash.
Det Garda Sgt Jim Kirwan of the Garda Extradition Unit told the court that he had arrested Mr Driver at his home in Co Meath on foot of a warrant that had been previously endorsed by the High Court on Wednesday of this week.
Det Garda Sgt Kirwan said when the charges contained in the warrant were put to Mr Driver, he replied: “I know what these are about.”
Mr Justice Brian McGovern remanded Mr Driver, who did not speak during the brief hearing, in custody and made the matter returnable to a sitting of the court later this month.
Mr Driver’s legal representatives did not make an application for bail. However, it was indicated to the court that such an application may be made at a future date.