Man sent forward for trial over fatal Lifford hit and run

A MAN has been sent forward for trial in the Circuit Court in connection with a fatal hit and run in Lifford last year.

Sean Connaughton, with an address in Dundalk, Co Louth was present during the brief hearing at Letterkenny District Court on Monday.

The 50-year-old faces charges of dangerous driving causing death and failing to keep a vehicle at the scene of the accident. The road traffic collision occurred at Townparks, Lifford on July 11, 2021. A pedestrian, 34-year-old Laura Connolly was later taken to Letterkenny University Hospital but was pronounced dead a short time after. Sgt Jim Collins told the court that the accused can be sent forward to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court which began on Tuesday.

Judge Deirdre Gearty issued the alibi warning and said the same bail terms would remain in place but that the accused must sign a new bond.

An application to vary the terms of his bail in respect to the number of times Connaughton has to sign on with An Garda Síochána was refused after an objection from Sgt Collins. However, this could be appealed at a sitting of the Circuit Court.

Solicitor, Mr Frank Dorrian requested two legal counsel, which Judge Gearty agreed to “given the nature of the charges”.