A 29-YEAR-OLD Co Monaghan publican who was the driver of a car involved in a three-car pile-up outside Carrickmacross in December which killed three people, including a pregnant woman, appeared in court last night charged with dangerous driving causing death, and driving with excess alcohol.
Kevin McArdle, of Longfield, Carrickmacross, who was the driver of a silver BMW involved in the crash on the Carrickmacross bypass at Monaltybane, Carrickmacross, appeared before Judge Sean MacBride at a special sitting of Carrickmacross District Court.
The crash happened on Monday, December 27th, at Nurebeg on the N2 Carrickmacross/Ardee Road about 2km from the town. Paul Carroll (27), Glenn Curtis (27), who were travelling in the BMW with Mr McArdle, died at the scene. Five months pregnant Roisin Connolly (38) died at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda following the crash. Her husband, who was travelling with her in the couple’s Seat Toled,o survived the crash. Mr McArdle sustained a broken leg and pelvis in the crash and appeared in court on crutches.
He was remanded on continuing bail of €1,000 plus an independent surety of €500 to a February 23rd sitting of the court. Conditions were imposed and legal aid was granted. The case was adjourned for preparation and service of a book of evidence.
At the outset of the hearing, Sgt James Gallagher, Carrickmacross, gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution of Mr McArdle at Carrickmacross Garda station earlier yesterday. Sgt Gallagher said Mr McArdle made no reply.
Garda Supt Noel Cunningham, Carrickmacross, said that he was awaiting further instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. “I ask for an adjournment of one month to extend time for the service of a Book of Evidence, judge,” he said.
He added that the State had no objection to bail but only on the conditions that McArdle surrender his passport, stay out of licenced premises in the Carrickmacross area, observe a curfew between 10pm and 8am, and that he resides at his mother’s residence at Longfield, Carrickmacross.