Man to face trial over death of mourner

A man is to stand trial over the death of an elderly mourner struck by a stolen car outside a west Belfast cemetery, a judge ordered today.
Pacemaker Press 22/5/2013  Laganside Court Building  in Belfast City centre  Pic Colm Lenaghan/PacemakerPacemaker Press 22/5/2013  Laganside Court Building  in Belfast City centre  Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
Pacemaker Press 22/5/2013 Laganside Court Building in Belfast City centre Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Seamus Conlon, 70, was fatally injured in the collision on the Whiterock Road on August 3 last year. The pensioner was struck by a Vauxhall Vectra after leaving a funeral at the nearby City Cemetery.

Michael Loughran appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with causing Mr Conlon’s death by dangerous driving.

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The 33-year-old, with a previous address at Glenties Drive in the city, is also accused of aggravated vehicle taking causing injury or death and other motoring offences.

During the preliminary enquiry hearing Loughran, who appeared remotely from prison, declined to call witnesses or give evidence at this stage.

Defence barrister Sean O’Hare did not contest submissions that his client has a case to answer. District Judge Fiona Bagnall returned the accused for Crown Court trial on a date to be fixed.