Lawyer appears before Kilkenny court over fatal road collision

A lawyer accused of dangerous driving causing death has also been charged with dangerous driving causing serious harm at Kilkenny District Court.

James Hardy of 172 Wright Avenue, Toronto, Ontario was charged with dangerous driving causing serious harm at the R712, Blanchfield, Cliften, Co Kilkenny on June 4, 2022.

Garda Joe Reville gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that the defendant replied ‘no comment’ after the charge.

The defendant is also accused of dangerous driving causing the death of Ollie Heslin (42), of Castleroe, Maganey, Co Kildare on June 4 at the R712, Blanchfield, Cliften, Co Kilkenny.

Man remanded on continuing bail over fatal Kilkenny collision

State Solicitor, Gerry Meaney told the court that there was no objection to extending bail.

Garda John O’Halloran told the court that he served a book of evidence on the defendant.

Mr Meaney said that there are two charges before the court and that the DPP has indicated trial on indictment in respect of the matters before the court.

“The DPP has consented that the defendant be sent forward to the next sittings of Kilkenny Circuit Court on February 21,” he said.

Judge John Brennan issued an alibi warning in relation to the new charge.

Defence counsel asked for the defendant to be excused from appearing in court on February 21 as he is resident in Canada.

“There is no difficulty with that,” said Mr Meaney.

Judge Brennan fixed bail on the defendant’s own bond of €50,000 with a cash lodgement of €35,000 as per the conditions on the original bond and matters were adjourned to the next sittings of Kilkenny Circuit Court on February 21.

The court previously heard that the defendant is a lawyer in Toronto who studied in the UK and spent some time lecturing at an American university before returning to the UK where he completed his articles to work as a lawyer in Canada and secured residency. He has lived there since 2017 and owns a home with his girlfriend.