The father of one of five young Inishowen people who died in a  horrific crash three years ago has questioned a judge about the delay in bringing the case to trial.

The 49 year old man accused of causing the deaths was  remanded on continuing bail when at Letterkenny Circuit Court yesterday.

Brendan Henderson, of Seven Oaks, Waterside, Derry is accused of causing the deaths by dangerous driving of  the five young  friends after the car he was driving  was involved in a two vehicle collision at Cross, Quigley’s Point on October 8, 2005. 

Those who died were Rochelle Peoples (22), Gavin Duffy (21), Charlene O Connor (21) and Darren Quinn (21), all from Buncrana, and David Steele(23), from Muff.

Adjourning the case until the next court term, Justice John O’Hagan excused Henderson, who has been confined to a wheelchair since the collision, from attending the hearing.

However, Patrick Quinn, father of Darren, stood up in court and questioned the judge about the delay in the case.

He said: “I am speaking on behalf of my son and nephew who were killed in the crash. This case is up for the fourth time today. I want to know when it will be up again?”

Responding, Justice O’Hagan said while the decision was regrettable and upsetting for the families of those involved, there was not much he could do to move the case on.

He said:  “The defendant wasn’t charged until 2008 and the case literally has to take its place in the queue to be heard.”

Stating he could not give a specific date when the case would be heard, he added:  “There are three sessions in Letterkenny in February and December. It just depends when we get to it.”

However, Justice O’Hagan added: “I will note your concerns and I will do the best I can. Everyone wants to get on with this case.”