Death crash charge bus driver remanded on bail

The Dublin bus driver charged in connection with the deaths of five people was today remanded on continuing bail at the Dublin District Court.

Kenneth Henvey, 48, from Whitechorn Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin, will appear again before the court on November 5.

Mr Henvey was charged last month with dangerous driving causing the deaths of five people at Wellington Quay on February 21.

His solicitor Phillip Tracy applied for legal aid on his behalf on the grounds that Mr Henvey had to support his wife and three children on social welfare payments of €225 a week and had also to make mortgage repayments of €780 each month.

Judge James Paul McDonnell granted the request.

He asked the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for an explanation of why some of the national media had broadcast the charges against Henvey before he appeared in court last month.

He also expressed concerns that the DPP had not been legally represented during the hearing.

Grainne Glynn, representing the DPP said he had taken notice of Judge McDonnell’s concerns.

However, she said, it was not normal practice for the DPP to be legally represented at such cases.

Judge McDonnell said: “This was a case when the DPP gave instruction that the accused be arrested and charged. The charges are serious charges… including a number of fatalities.

“Whether it be a Saturday, Sunday or ordinary working day, the state should be legally represented. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.”

Miss Glynn said the DPP had full confidence in the ability of the Gardaí to bring the case to court and handle it with full discretion.

Mr Henvey’s solicitor, Phillip Tracy expressed disappointment that the charges against his client had been publicised before the court appearance.

“I thoroughly concur with the judge’s comments,” he said.

Miss Glynn said she would convey the judge’s remarks to the DPP.

The Dublin bus crash at Wellington Quay was the worst accident in the state company’s history.

Five people were killed and 17 were injured when an out of service bus mounted the kerb and collided with a group of people queuing for a bus to Lucan.