A man is facing up to five years in prison after admitting to causing the deaths of two student friends in a road smash horror.
Anthony McGinn, 61, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, January 14 to one count of dangerous driving causing death when he appeared in front of Judge John Aylmer at Monaghan Circuit Criminal Court. He also pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing harm.
The charges relate to a fatal road collision on the N54 near Clones, Co Monaghan on July 31 2023. Student friends Kiea McCann (17) and Dlava Mohamed (16), who were on their way to a school formal, known as debs in the Republic of Ireland, and who were from Clones, died in the incident.
Dlava's sister Avin was also injured in the crash, but survived. Mr McGinn, with an address at Drumloo, Newbliss in Co Monaghan, spoke only briefly during today's hearing. He replied guilty when each of the two charges was put to him in the court. He has been on bail since he first appeared in court in March last year.
Judge Aylmer remanded him on continuing bail until the next circuit court session, which will be later this year. Mr McGinn was charged with one count of dangerous driving causing the death of Kiea and Dlava at Legnakelly, Clones, Co Monaghan on July 31.
He faced another charge of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Avin Mohamed on the same occasion. The maximum penalty for the offences with which Mr McGinn has pleaded guilty is five years in prison. Several members of the McCann family were in court for today's hearing, including her parents Teresa and Franky.
The case has now been adjourned for sentencing. Judge Aylmer also ordered a probation report to see if McGinn was suitable for community service, although he stressed no decision had been taken on that.
He also heard that McGinn has no previous convictions. The McCann family declined to comment after today's plea. McGinn also declined to comment.
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