Driver facing trial in relation to crash that killed woman

A MOTORIST been sent forward for trial on a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of a woman on the N2 last year.

Childcare worker Jillian Thormton (20) from Drogheda was fatally injured when the Mitsubishi Colt she was a back seat passenger in crashed into a Volkswagen Passat just after 10.30pm on the N2 at Waterside Great, Duleek in Co Meath last May.

Michael Collins (40), with an address at Preston Mills Apartment, Wellington Quay in Drogheda is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Thornton on May 27th, 2016.

He is further charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant on the same date.

He appeared before Judge John Coughlan at Drogheda District Court where he served with a book of evidence.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that Collins be tried on indictment and Judge Coughlan told him he was being returned for trial on a date in May to Trim Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Coughlan formally sent the case forward for trial on the indictable offences. He gave the defendant the alibi warning, cautioning him he has 14 days to provide to the State details of anyone he proposes calling as witnesses in his defence.

He assigned the defendant’s solicitor one senior counsel and one junior counsel due to the seriousness of the charges.

The defendant has been remanded on bail subject to strict conditions including he surrenders his passport and does not apply for a new one; signs on at Drogheda Garda Station on Fridays; notify gardai of a change of address; be contactable by mobile phone; to stay out of Halpin’s Terrace, St John’s Centra on Duleek Street and Donore Road Industrial Estate.

He has also to obey a daily curfew of 11pm to 7am.