He was also charged with a further four offences and entered guilty pleas to each of them
A hit-and-run driver who struck a man and his dog as they were out for a walk has today admitted causing death by careless driving.
Richard Boyle was walking his dog Junior on the Stewartstown Road in Belfast in February 2021 when he was struck by a car.
Both Mr Boyle, 42, and his beloved pet died from the injuries they sustained in the hit and run. Five men and a woman appeared together in the dock of Belfast Crown Court in March of this year when they denied a range of charges arising from the fatal incident.
All six were back in court today as a trial was due to commence – but before a jury was sworn, five of the six defendants were re-arraigned. As Mr Boyle’s loved ones sat in the public gallery, defence barrister Sean Devine was the first to address Judge Patricia Smyth.
Representing Martin Sean O’Lali, the barrister asked that his client be re-arraigned. After confirming his identity to a court clerk, the 27-year old from Breton Court in Lisburn was charged that on February 5, 2021 he caused the death of Richard Boyle by driving dangerously on the Stewartstown Road in Belfast.
When asked how he pleaded to the charge, Martin Sean O’Lali replied “not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, guilty to death by careless driving.”
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Crown barrister Kate McKay said that in relation to that count, the plea to causing death by careless driving “is acceptable to the prosecution.”
He was also charged with a further four offences and entered guilty pleas to each of them.
Martin Sean O’Lali admitted driving a Volkswagen on the Stewartstown Road without insurance, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident on February 5, 2021. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of perverting the course of justice the following day by making a false allegation to police that his car and mobile phone had been stolen.
Mrs McKay said that in light of these pleas, a further two charges, including a count of failing to remain at the scene of an accident on February 5, 2021, were being “left on the books of the court in the usual terms.”
His 49-year old father Martin Paul O’Lali, from Greenvale in Belfast, was re-arraigned on a charge of withholding information.
Martin Paul O’Lali was charged with withholding information concerning an arrestable offence on February 5, 2021 – namely knowing Martin Sean O’Lali had committed careless driving causing death, he failed to give that information within a reasonable time to a Constable. When asked how he pleaded, Martin Paul O’Lali replied “guilty.”
Mrs McKay said that in light of that plea, a charge of assisting offenders on the same date that he initially faced was being “left on the books in the usual terms.”
Also re-arraigned on the same charge of withholding information concerning an arrestable offence was 28-year old Emma McCune. From Breton Park in Lisburn, when asked what if she pleaded guilty or not guilty to the offence, she answered “guilty.”
Following this, the Crown barrister said that a charge of assisting offenders on February 5, 2021 against her was being “left on the books in the usual terms.”
Hugh O’Neill was also re-arraigned. He initially faced four charges but after he admitted two counts today, the remaining two charges against him were left on the books by the Crown.
From Fallswater Street in Belfast, the 27-year old admitted a charge of assisting offenders on February 5, 2021 by providing a false alibi and to withholding information on the same date.
Due to these pleas, a second charge of assisting offenders by providing a means of communication on the same date was left on the books, as was a charge of perverting the course of justice.
Co-accused Tieran Jack Holden was re-arraigned on two counts – namely assisting offenders by providing transport and withholding information on February 5, 2021.
After the 25-year old, from Oranmore Street in Belfast, entered ‘guilty’ pleas to the two charges, the Crown barrister told Judge Smyth that a third charge of perverting the course of justice was being “left on the books of the court.”
A six defendant – Conor Francis Lewsley, 42, from Glenalina Park in Belfast – initially faced a single charge of withholding information on February 5, 2021. Mrs McKay confirmed “that’s the only charge he faces” and said it was being “left on the books.”
After being told that all the pleas were accepted by the Crown, Judge Smyth ordered pre-sentence reports for the five defendants and then set the date for the plea hearing as Friday November 14.
The Judge also enquired about disqualifying Martin Sean O’Lali from driving, with Mrs McKay requesting that he be banned from driving “immediately” with the period of disqualification determined “in due course.”
This request was granted by Judge Smyth who disqualified him from driving “forthwith”. Mrs McKay said Victim Impact Statements from Mr Boyle’s loved ones will be submitted ahead of sentencing.
The issue of continuing bail then arose and the Crown barrister said that due to concerns of a risk of flight and his “relevant criminal record”, bail for Martin Sean O’Lali at this point was being objected to.
She added there were no issues concerning his four co-accused, who were granted continuing bail.
Judge Smyth agreed to release Martin Sean O’Lali on bail today but said she would hear a bail application tomorrow. Saying that Martin Sean O’Lali has to return to court tomorrow, Judge Smyth addressed his legal team and said: “No doubt you will warn your client that if he does not turn up tomorrow, firstly he will be eagerly apprehended and secondly there will be serious consequences.”
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