Man charged with dangerous driving after a fatal Kildare motorway crash
This was the first fatal accident of 2024
A man has appeared in court charged with alleged dangerous driving causing the death of another.
Adam Maher, 27, whose address was given as 104 Loughminane Green, Kildare town, is also being prosecuted for allegedly driving under the influence of cocaine at the M7 on January 1 last.
The accident claimed the life of 27-year-old father of two Keith Higginbotham, Blackditch, Nurney, who allegedly was a passenger in a car that left the road and struck a grass verge between junction 12 Newbridge and 13 Kildare on the M7 at around 8.45pm.
This was the first fatal road accident of 2024.
Sgt Dave Hanrahan told Naas District Court that the vehicle left the motorway and collided with a bank. It spun around and ended up on its roof and there were four people in the vehicle. He described the defendant and the deceased as friends.
He alleged the defendant tested positive for cocaine in his system.
The court heard that bail terms were agreed subject to conditions such as the defendant reside at a certain address, keep the peace and sign on at a garda station.
Defendant solicitor Matt Byrne said the defendant was badly injured in the accident. He sustained a broken collar bone and spent four days in hospital. Mr Byrne said the others suffered minor injuries.
Judge Desmond Zaidan indicated the matter is likely to be heard before a judge and jury in time and he adjourned it to October 23.