Men charged in connection with fatal road crash in Derry released on bail

Two men appeared in court today in connection with the death of a pensioner in a car crash in Derry three years ago.

David Richie, 69, died in a head-on collision on the Glenshane Road near Burntollet Bridge on April 17, 2013.

Mr Richie was from the Tullyally area.

A man and a woman were treated in hospital after the accident between the two cars but their injuries were not life-threatening.

Two men appeared before Derry Magistrates Court this morning in connection with the crash.

Thomas Hyndman, 25, from Knockbrack Road, Ardmore, faces a number of charges which include causing death by dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

Stephen Magee, 33, from Ivy Mead, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

During a preliminary enquiry it was accepted by the defence there is a prima facie case to answer.

Neither man wished to call any witnesses or give any evidence at this stage of proceedings.

Paddy McDaid, defence solicitor for Hyndman, asked for extra counsel as there is a charge of causing grevious bodily injury to his co-defendant, Magee.

However, Mr McDaid said the two cars did not strike each other.

Judge Barney McElholm said he 'wouldn't consider it to be substantially complex' and refused extra counsel for Hyndman.

The two men were released on their own bail of £500 to reside at their respective addresses and will be returned for their arraignment on March 8 at Derry Crown Court.