Deaf man charged with manslaughter of bus crash victim 'very sorry'
A deaf man has apologised for the death of a man who was hit by a bus following an alleged roadside altercation.
Edward Connors, who is profoundly deaf, has been charged with the manslaughter of Eoghan Dudley.
The 28-year-old died last Thursday evening after suffering severe head injuries in the incident in Dublin city centre.
Connors, 29, who has been living in a homeless hostel in Dublin, was brought before the city’s District Court where proceedings were translated through a sign language interpreter.
Detective Garda Conor O’Braonain told the court that, when Connors was charged at Pearse Street Garda Station on Saturday night, he replied: “I’m very sorry about him. It was an accident.”
Judge David McHugh remanded him in custody until December 13, when he will be brought before Cloverhill courthouse.
Connors, who wore a navy tracksuit, is accused of killing Mr Dudley at the busy junction of Dawson Street and Nassau Street.
The victim, whose family are originally from Rathfarnham in south Dublin, was renting accommodation in Newcastle, Co Wicklow, at the time of his death.
He was only identified on Saturday after gardai issued a detailed description of him.
Connors, of Judge Darley House, was arrested on Friday – his birthday.
He communicated to the judge who he wanted to represent him by holding the solicitor’s business card.
Cahir O’Higgins, defending, requested that his client have an interpreter present when booked in to prison.
He told the judge that Connors also relied on a methadone prescription and asked that all medical assistance be given to him in prison.
No application was made for bail.
The judge granted legal aid and requested the appropriate authorities to ensure whatever medical assistance is needed.
