Gardaí find lead in fatal crash case

Gardaí investigating the hit-and-run death of a French national in Cork City two years ago have identified a “person of interest” who has left the jurisdiction.

Cork City Coroner’s Court was told yesterday that an individual identified as part of a lengthy and complex garda probe into the death of Gabriel Jean Lege in the city in 2013 has left the country.

However, gardaí are continuing a criminal investigation into the case and are liaising closely with the French authorities as the probe continues.

The details emerged as Mr Lege’s previously opened and adjourned inquest was listed for mention at the city coroner’s court.

Sgt Fergus Twomey told coroner Philip Comyn that because garda investigations are ongoing, the case is not ready to proceed to a full inquest hearing yet.

He applied for, and was granted, a further adjournment of the inquest pending the outcome of Garda investigations. The case is due to be mentioned again in May.

Mr Lege, 25, from Olonne-sur-Mer, died in Cork University Hospital from injuries sustained when he was hit by a white van which did not stop on Georges Quay at about 9.30pm on October 31, 2013.

He died from haemorrhage and shock due to blunt force trauma to the chest and abdomen, and brain injury.

Gardaí launched a major investigation, seized a van, and identified a suspect soon after the incident.

It is understood the driver of the van, who in his 30s and from Cork, left the jurisdiction shortly after and has been living in England since.

A Garda team is actively reviewing the case and is monitoring the suspect’s movements. It is understood that he moves around England regularly and may also be using several aliases.

Mr Comyn asked solicitor Vincent Toher, who was in court yesterday representing Mr Lege’s next of kin, to convey to them that the coroner’s office is anxious to “bring this to a closure as quickly as possible”.

Mr Lege, who worked for Apple at Hollyhill, was due to move into a new apartment in the Elysian in the city centre around the time of his death.

His family and friends have issued several appeals for the driver of the van to come forward, and for people with information on the case to contact gardaí.