Dangerous driving accused granted bail despite Garda objections

A Co Meath man who fled from Australia after admitting he was the driver in a fatal car accident that killed two young Irish people has been granted bail today despite Garda concerns.

Eamon Driver (aged 29) from Stanley Heights in Slane is facing extradition back to Perth on two charges of dangerous driving causing death on Halloween night in 2007.

The court heard that around a week after the accident, Mr Driver admitted to Australian police that he was behind the wheel of the Toyota Corolla that is believed to have gone out of control, killing Irish backpackers Kiara Duncan and Colm Reilly from Co Meath.

Sgt Jim Kirwan said that the 29-year-old left Perth for Kuala Lumpar a day later and eventually was tracked down in Ireland.

He told the authorities that he had come home to attend the funerals of the two passengers, one of whom was an old friend, and that he gave assurances that he would return to Australia in 2009 to face criminal charges of dangerous driving causing death, but he did not turn up.

Acknowledging garda concerns, Judge John Edwards granted him bail but on his own bond of €75,000.