Jury told: Bus-testing company not charged with causing boy's death

A jury has been told the death of a 15-year-old boy in a school bus crash in Co Offaly is not relevant to the trial of a company which tested the vehicle months before the accident.

David O'Reilly, acting on behalf of O'Reilly Commercials Ltd of Ballinalach, Mullingar, Co Westmeath has pleaded not guilty to four charges relating to failing to note or verify defects on the bus in August, 2005.

Teenager Michael White died from injuries sustained when the rear axle came off the school bus and it went out of control on a bog road just outside Clara, on April 4, 2006.

O'Reilly Commercials tested the vehicle the previous year.

The jury is being asked by the prosecution to consider if the company employed a safe system of work.

In her closing address, Senior Counsel Caroline Biggs spoke of the unspeakable loss to the family of Michael White, but said the testing company was not charged with causing the 15-year-old's death.

The jury has heard evidence of an alleged missing bolt and that the bus was fitted with a modified suspension system which was later recalled because of safety issues.

The defence has begun making its final address to the jury which is expected to last much of the afternoon.