A delay in prosecution relating to last year's bus crash near Clara, Co Offaly was causing "considerable distress" to the family of the boy who died in the crash and the families of those injured, a court was told yesterday.
Difficulties in obtaining insurance certificates led to the case being adjourned at Tullamore District Court yesterday. Michael White, a student in Killina Presentation Secondary School died in the crash on April 4th, 2006. The bus was bringing students to the school.
The bus owner, Ray McKeown, of Clara, and driver Gerard Buckley, were charged in relation to driving without insurance.
Solicitor Ray Mahon said Mr McKeown was represented by solicitor Dermot Scanlon, who could not be present in court.
Judge John Neilan said Mr McKeown should get the matter sorted out. Solicitor Bernadette Green said she kept a watching brief for Michael White's family and a number of the families of those injured in the crash. In all, she represented 16 parties.
The families concerned were again in court yesterday, having come to court on December 6th when the matter previously arose. Judge Neilan said the summonses had been served on November 11th, 2006, which was "ample time" for defendants to do research about insurance cover.
Ms Green said the delay in prosecution was causing "considerable distress" for the families. The inquest on Michael White could not take place until the court case was concluded.
The case was adjourned until Wednesday next.