A 30 year old Co Clare man today appeared in court in connection with an alleged hit and run car accident that left a 60 year old in a serious condition in hospital.
At Ennis District Court today, James O’Donoghue appeared charged with dangerous driving at Knockadoon, Tulla, Co Clare last Tuesday, October 28th.
Mr O’Donoghue said ‘no comment’ when charged and cautioned.
Insp Tom Kennedy told the court today that Gardai were consenting to conditional bail for Mr O’Donoghue.
One of the conditions put forward by Gardai was that Mr O’Donoghue would not drive a motor vehicle while on bail.
However, Judge Aeneas McCarthy said that he didn’t believe he had the jurisdiction to impose such a condition.
In reply, Insp Kennedy said that it will be alleged in this case that Mr O’Donoghue was involved in a hit and run accident and that the victim sustained serious injuries.
Insp Kennedy said that it will be alleged that Mr O’Donoghue left the scene of the accident and later turned up at Ennis General Hospital.
However, Judge McCarthy said that he was not prepared to impose such a condition "as it flies in the face of the presumption of innocence".
Judge McCarthy did set bail conditions that Mr O’Donoghue would reside at Bay 8, Lynch’s Lane, Clondalkin, Co Dublin, not enter Clare save for court appearance, sign on once a week at Ronanstown Garda Station and observe an 11pm to 7am curfew.
Judge McCarthy remanded Mr O’Donoghue on bail to appear at Killaloe District Court on December 2nd next.
