Two men appear in court as part of investigation into fatal collision in Co Limerick
David Raleigh
Two men have appeared in court charged arising out of a Garda investigation into a road traffic collision in which a motorcyclist died in Co Limerick two years ago.
Dan Curtin (63), was killed outright when a car collided with his motorcycle at the R515, Thomastown, Kilmallock, on February 2nd 2024.
The father of three, originally from Tournafulla, west Limerick, and later of Dromohane, Co Cork, who had worked for the Dairygold company, died at the scene.
At Newcastle West District Court, the alleged driver of the car involved in the fatal collision met gardaí by appointment outside the courthouse, where he was arrested and charged.
Garda Sean Sheehy, Henry Street Garda Station, Limerick City, told the court that he charged the accused, Peter Danis, with one count of dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Curtin.
Danis (46), with an address at Broad Street, Charleville, Co Cork, “made no reply” after he was charged, said Garda Sheehy.
The court heard Danis is currently employed, but he was granted free legal aid due to his financial circumstances.
Garda Inspector Gary Thompson, Bruff Garda Station, told the court that investigating gardaí were not objecting to bail, nor were they seeking any specific bail conditions.
Inspector Thompson said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed that Danis be returned before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for a trial or a plea.
Danis’s barrister, Robert Moloney BL, instructed by solicitor Sarah Ryan, made an application for disclosure of evidence from the State.
“A book of evidence is required,” Mr Moloney told the court.
Judge Carol Anne Coolican granted the application for disclosure and remanded Danis on bail of his own bond of €100, which did not have to be lodged, to appear before Newcastle West District Court for service of the State’s Book of Evidence, on July 28th.
Garda Sheehy told the court that he arrested a second man in connection with the fatal collision after he had also presented himself outside the courthouse by apppintment.
Shane Dillon (31), Smiths Lane, Charleville, Co Cork, appeared before the court charged with one count of making a false statement to gardai in respect of the fatal collision.
Garda Sheehy said that Mr Dillon made no reply to the charge.
Inspector Thompson said investiagting gardai had no objection to Mr Dillon being granted bail nor were they seeking any special bail conditions.
Inspector Thompson said the DPP had directed the prosecution against Mr Dillon be dealt with by way of “summary disposal” before the district court.
Outlining the alleged facts, Gda Sheehy told the court that, on February 2, 2024, gardai responded to a fatal road traffic collision where they spoke to Mr Dillon who informed gardai that he had witnessed the collision.
Garda Sheehy alleged in court that Mr Dillon gave a detailed statement to gardai that he had been being driving behind the vehicle that allegedly collided with Mr Curtin’s motorbike.
Garda Sheehy alleged that gardai later discovered that Mr Dillon was actually in front of the vehicle that allegedly collided with Mr Curtin’s motorbike, and that he was about to turn his vehicle to the right at the time.
Garda Sheehy further alleged that, after gardai made further enquires into the matter, Mr Dillon “made full admissions that the statement he had previously given to gardai was false”.
Judge Coolican accepted jurisdiction in the case against Mr Dillon.
Mr Dillion’s barrister, Robert Moloney, instructed by solicitor Sarah Ryan, made an application for disclosure of evidence.
Judge Coolican granted the application and remanded Mr Dillon on bail to appear before Newcastle West District Court on July 28th for a plea or a date for hearing.
