Trial of Luas involved in O'Connell Street crash begins
A Luas driver charged in connection with the incident when the tram and a double-decker bus were in collision at O'Connell Street in Dublin, was sent forward for trial before a judge and jury.
Oriyomi Emmanuel (aged 37) of Jamestown Park, Rathoath, Co Meath had been charged in June at Dublin District Court with dangerous driving of a Luas tram in a manner including speed, which was dangerous to the public and caused serious bodily harm to a woman named Suzanne Cribbon, on September 16 last.
He had also been charged under the Railway Safety Act 2005 with performing a “safety critical task” which was dangerous to the public, or posed an unreasonable risk of harm to them.
The collision between the Luas Red Line tram and a number 16 Dublin Bus took place at the junction of Middle Abbey Street and Lower O'Connell Street.
The Luas, which going in the direction of Lower Abbey Street, was also derailed in the crash.
More than 20 people were injured in the incident.
When he was charged on June 3 last, the District Court heard that the DPP had directed trial on indictment, meaning the case should go forward for trial before a judge and jury in the Circuit Court.
Mr Emmanuel had been remanded on bail to appear again today pending the preparation of a book of evidence.
Garda Sergeant Brian Cullen told Judge Catherine Murphy today that the defendant made no reply when he was charged with two additional counts of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Francis Kelly and Valerie Phelan, who were passengers on the bus.
Mr Emmanuel was served with a book of evidence and Judge Murphy notified him that should he intend to use an alibi he must inform the State within 14 days. The defendant said he did not understand.
Judge Murphy explained the meaning of an alibi and asked why his counsel had not done so. Mr Miceal O'Connor BL told Judge Murphy “in relation to my instructions it does not arise”.
The judge made an order sending the case forward for trial at the next term of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and remanded Mr Emmanuel on bail in his own bond of €200.
Legal aid was granted.
