A Crown Court case concerning the death of a Belfast man who was struck and killed whilst walking his dog in the west of the city was adjourned today.
Six people were due to be arraigned on charges linked to the fatal collision four years ago which claimed the life of Richard Boyle.
The 42-year-old was walking his dog Junior on the Stewartstown Road on February 5, 2021, when he was struck by a car.
Both Mr Boyle and his beloved pet died from the injuries they sustained in the hit-and-run.
The case was listed for an arraignment today at Belfast Crown Court, where a litany of charges were due to be put to six defendants. However, the hearing did not proceed due to the ongoing barristers’ strike.
Criminal barristers have withdrawn from all legally aided Crown Court cases in a dispute over legal aid and the strike is now in its third week.
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Sean Martin O’Lali (26), from Breton Court in Lisburn, was due to be charged with six offences including causing Mr Boyle’s death by dangerous driving, failing to remain at the scene of an accident, failing to report an accident and using a vehicle with no insurance.
Jack Tiernan Holden (24), from Oranmore Street in Belfast, was due to be charged with assisting offenders, perverting the course of justice and withholding information.
Conor Francis Lewsley (41), from Glenalina Park in Belfast, was due to be charged with withholding information, as was Emma McCune (27), from Breton Park in Lisburn, who also faces a charge of assisting offenders.
Also due to be arraigned on charges of assisting offenders and withholding information was Martin Paul O’Lali (49), of Greenvale in Belfast.
A sixth defendant — Hugh O’Neill (27), from Fallswater Street in Belfast — was due to be arraigned on two charges of assisting offenders, one count of perverting the course of justice and one count of withholding information.
None of the six accused appeared in court today but were represented by their solicitors.
A Crown barrister told Judge Philip Gilpin that whilst the case was listed for arraignment, “I don’t imagine it will proceed”.
The solicitor representing McCune then addressed the judge and said: “Obviously, with the current circumstances, Your Honour, the case is not ready to proceed.”
Judge Gilpin then set a new date for the arraignment hearing as Tuesday, February 10.
After no objections were raised by the Crown, the judge granted continuing bail to all six defendants.