Hit-and-run suspect told Australian police he was not in traffic accident

A man suspected of being involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident in Co Kerry almost three years ago later told Australian police he had not been in a crash before going there.

An Australian policeman yesterday told of taking a statement from Shane Fitzgerald in which the accused said he left Ireland on July 2, 2012, and afterwards went to Australia.

Fitzgerald, aged 23, of Upper Knockeen, Knockduff, Meelin, Newmarket, Co Cork, denies dangerous driving causing the death of cyclist Paud O’Leary, at Scrahanfadda, Gneeveguilla, Co Kerry, on July 1, 2012.