Bid to extradite driver (29) after Irish pals killed
Australia is seeking the extradition of a 29-year-old Meath man on charges of dangerous driving causing the deaths of two Irish backpackers near the city of Perth almost four years ago.
The High Court was informed yesterday that the Australian authorities are seeking the extradition of Eamon Mark Driver with an address at Stanley Heights, Slane, Co Meath, on charges of causing the death of Colm Reilly (20), from Slane, Co Meath, and Kiara Duncan (20), from Kentstown, Co Meath, by dangerous driving.
passengers
Mr Driver is alleged to have been the driver of a Toyota Corolla hatchback which was involved in a fatal crash that occurred around 11.10pm on October 31, 2007 at Bedford, a suburb of Perth in Western Australia. At the time of the crash the car had six passengers, including Mr Reilly and Ms Duncan.
Mr Driver allegedly lost control of the car at a bend and careered across the road into an oncoming vehicle. It is alleged that Mr Driver had been travelling at excess speed at the time.
Mr Reilly died on impact, while Ms Duncan died three days later in hospital.
The other passengers in the car sustained various injuries.
A warrant for Mr Driver's arrest was issued by the Australian Attorney General's office last year after the 29-year-old failed to appear in Perth Magistrate's Court to face charges.
Detective Sergeant Jim Kirwan of the Garda Extradition Unit told the High Court yesterday that he arrested Mr Driver at his home in Co Meath on foot of a warrant that had been previously endorsed by the High Court on Wednesday.
Mr Justice Brian McGovern remanded Mr Driver, who did not speak during the brief hearing, in custody and made the matter returnable to a sitting of the High Court later this month.
Mr Driver's legal representatives did not apply for bail, however it was indicated to the court that such an application maybe made at a future date.
