Books of evidence served in teen road deaths

BOOKS of evidence were served yesterday on two men accused of dangerous driving causing the death of two teenagers in Cork last May.

At Cork District Court, Judge David Riordan returned the cases against both accused for trial by judge and jury at the next sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on November 8.

The judge returned the cases on the application of Inspector Eileen Foster.

Philip Murphy, 40, of 58 Killala Gardens, faces the additional charge of falsely imprisoning Darren Lenehan at Hollywood Estate, Blarney Road, Cork, on Thursday, May 13, contrary to the Non-fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Murphy and James Simms, 27, of Adelaide Terrace, Cork, are both accused of dangerous driving of cars on Friday May 14 on Harbour View Road causing the death of CJ Dolan, 16, and Derry O’Callaghan, 19.

It is alleged the two deceased were passengers in the car driven by Simms.

On the application of solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher, a junior counsel and a senior counsel will be appointed on free legal aid for the trial of Simms. A similar order was made in Murphy’s case on the application of Joseph Cuddigan, solicitor.

Additional charges against Murphy, including one of driving while under the influence of alcohol, were adjourned to December at Cork District Court to be dealt with after the more serious charges have been dealt with at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Murphy’s mother, Breda Murphy, was remanded in custody for contempt of court for speaking up from the public area of the court. She was freed after lunch.