NI driver says he’s sorry for fatal crash in Co Monaghan

A MAN from Northern Ireland charged with dangerous driving causing the death of a man in Castleblayney told gardai “I am sorry for my actions”, a court in the Republic has heard.

James Tomany (34) appeared before a special sitting of Carrickmacross district court last night.

He is also charged with endangerment of a Garda in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan on Tuesday night.

Tomany, of Clay Road, Keady, Co Armagh was remanded in custody to Cloverhill district court next Wednesday, December 5.

He faces two charges related to the incident on Main Street, Castleblayney on Tuesday night.

Evidence of arresting, charging and cautioning the accused was given by Garda Sgt Tom Miller.

The first charge is dangerous driving causing the death of Stephen Marron.

The court heard that, in reply to that charge, he said: “I am sorry for my actions.”

The second alleges reckless endangerment of a Garda.

Tomany is accused of driving on Yorke Street onto Main Street while a member of An Garda Si-

Keady man James Tomany being led into court yesterday, and (right) the scene of the fatal crash in Castleblayney

ochana was holding onto the car in an attempt to prevent himself from falling from the fast-moving vehicle and that this created a substantial risk of death or serious harm.

Tomany also faces two other charges alleging assault causing harm to another person on March 31, 2018.

In reply to one of them, he said: “The full light will be shone on this at some stage. That was the reason for going into the Garda station in the first place.”

Judge Gerry Jones was told there was consent to him being remanded in custody.

His solicitor Siobhan Murphy asked for Tomany to receive medical attention and she applied for legal aid. She said he is currently in receipt of unemployment benefit.

Garda Inspector Kevin Gavigan said he believes he is a farmer.

Judge Jones said he would reserve a decision on the application.

The accused sat silently in court throughout proceedings. He was wearing black Adidas pants, a wine top and a blue jacket.

Tomany was charged after Mr Marron was killed in an incident in Castleblayney on Tuesday, while Garda Michael Devlin was injured.

Separately, funeral arrangements were confirmed for Mr Marron with Requiem Mass at 11am tomorrow in St Mary’s Church, Castleblayney.