Man admits causing death of Richard Boyle by careless driving

A 27-year old man has admitted causing the death of a Belfast man by careless driving.

Richard Boyle was walking his dog Junior on the Stewartstown Road 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 on Monday 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.

When asked how he pleaded, O'Lali replied "not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, guilty to death by careless driving".

Crown barrister Kate McKay said this "is acceptable to the prosecution".

He was also charged with a further four offences and entered 'guilty' pleas to each of them.

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. He pleaded guilty.

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, she pleaded guilty.

Hugh O'Neill (27) was also re-arraigned.

He initially faced four charges but after he admitted two counts on Monday, the remaining two were left on the books by the Crown.

From Fallswater Street in Belfast, he admitted a charge of assisting offenders by providing a false alibi and to withholding information on the same date.

Tieran Jack Holden was re-arraigned on two counts - namely assisting offenders by providing transport and withholding information.

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."

Judge Smyth ordered pre-sentence reports for the five defendants and then set the date for the plea hearing as November 14.

Mrs McKay said Victim Impact Statements from Mr Boyle's loved ones will be submitted ahead of sentencing.

Judge Smyth agreed to release Martin Sean O'Lali on bail to return to court on Tuesday.