Quigley’s Point crash trial hearing
By Louise Doyle
THE man facing charges in connection with the horrific Quigley’s Point crash which killed five Inishowen people will stand trial next month.
Brendan Henderson (49) of Sevenoaks, Waterside in Derry appeared yesterday in Carndonagh district court amid heavy Garda and media presence for the date hearing.
He will stand trial for five separate counts of dangerous driving causing death on May 20 at Buncrana district court.
The fatal crash on October 8, 2005 claimed the lives of Darren Quinn (21), Gavin Duffy (21), Charlene O’Connor (21) and Rochelle Peoples (22) – who were all from Buncrana – and David Steele (23) from Muff.
Mr Henderson has been left wheelchair-bound as a result of the smash.
In court, Mr Henderson – who will plead not guilty to the charge.
He was supported in court by his family and friends.
The families of the five victims killed in the smash were also present in court for the date hearing.
Presiding Judge Desmond Zaidan quizzed the in-court superintendent on the lengthy delay in bringing the trial to court.
Superintendent Jimmy Coen told the court the delay was due to the “very sensitive nature of the accident”.
He said: ”Mr Henderson was hospitalised for nine months following the crash.
“He also lives outside the jurdistiction – but has made himself very amenable to the gardai.”
However, Judge Zaidan advised the court that Mr Henderson will face five separate charges.
He said: ”It will be more apparent if five separate charges are brought before the court to reflect the nature of each life lost. Therefore each offence will be tried seaprately.”
Mr Henderson – who has been in receipt of Disability Living Allowance since the accident – will be represented by defence solicitor Maolissa Barr.
