A MAN HAS been sent forward for trial charged with dangerous driving causing the death of GAA broadcaster Paudie Palmer.
Bohdan Bezverkhyi of Rigsdale House, Rigsdale, Ballinhassig in Co Cork was served with a book of evidence at Bandon District Court and was sent forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court, to appear on 27 April.
Bezverkhyi, 33, had previously had four charges put to him relating to the alleged hit and run at Dunkereen Cross in Innishannon in Co Cork on 29 December last.
However, on 27 March last he was charged with dangerous driving causing death in relation to the incident involving Palmer, as well as an entirely separate charge of dangerous driving, this time on 28 December last, on the main Cork-Kerry road, the N22.
In Bandon District Court Sgt Paul Kelly told Judge John King that the book of evidence had been served on Bezverkhyi in relation to one charge only, that of dangerous driving causing death, and that the accused was being sent forward for trial on that single charge.
Garda Theresa Lyons of Bandon Garda Station gave evidence of having served the book of evidence on Bezverkhyi at 10.45am at the courthouse.
Judge King was told there would be an objection to any release on bail but Bezverkhyi’s solicitor said no such application would be made.
The Judge sent Bezverkhyi forward for trial and granted legal aid for one Junior Counsel in the case.
As for the other outstanding charges, they include failing to offer assistance at the scene of a crash to the injured party, broadcaster Paudie Palmer, failing to report the incident in which Palmer was injured and failing to keep his vehicle at the scene.
Palmer, a highly regarded Gaelic games broadcaster and columnist, passed away on 8 January.
Bezverkhyi will remain in custody to attend the circuit court and Judge King extended bail on the separate dangerous driving charge alleged to have occurred on 28 December, and Bezverkhyi will return to the district in relation to that and the other outstanding charges on 20 July.
A Russian interpreter was in court to facilitate Bezverkhyi, who is from eastern Ukraine, and legal aid was also granted for the translation of the book of evidence in relation to the circuit court charge.
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