A teenager from Co Tyrone, Josh McGleenan (19), appeared at Newry Magistrates Court accused of initiating a fatal car accident killing three individuals and causing severe injuries to four more. McGleenan stood in the dock, with family and friends of those he allegedly injured occupying the public seats nearby in the court, acknowledging his understanding of the charges laid against him, all of which supposedly occurred on November 4th the previous year.
Hailing from Ashveagh, in Benburb, McGleenan faces accusations, including causing death through dangerous driving, inflicting serious bodily harm also through dangerous driving, exceeding speed limits, utilisation of a mobile phone while operating a vehicle, and the inability to effectively manage his vehicle.
The prosecution maintains that McGleenan was culpable for the deaths of Ciara McElvanna and the married couple, Patrick and Ciera Grimley, due to his reckless driving, exceeding the 60mph limit on the Gosford Road and Brown Moss Road in Markethill.
These charges ensued after a multi-vehicle collision in the early hours. Responding swiftly, nine ambulance crews attended to the injured on site and transported the grievously hurt to Craigavon Area Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Sadly, Mr Grimley had succumbed to his injuries on the spot. His wife and Ms McElvanna, a 44-year-old mother-of-four, tragically passed away in the aftermath of the accident. Kevin McElvanna, her husband and former all-Ireland winning Gaelic footballer, was among the injured as the friends were returning from Mr Grimley’s 40th birthday celebration.
A detective constable testified her belief regarding the connection of McGleenan to each accusation levelled against him. She reported a “complete file” had been dispatched to the Public Prosecution Service.
District Judge Eamon King, upon the prosecutor’s request for a brief adjournment for progress on the case file, and posted the case for September 18th allowing McGleenan freedom on a bail of £500. As part of his bail conditions, McGleenan is prohibited from occupying any form of motor vehicle except for commutation to his workplace.