A MAN appeared in court today charged in connection with the death of a Strabane woman who died following a serious road traffic crash.
In the dock at Dungannon Magistrates Court was Brian Lynch (20) of Cloggagh, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, who is charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death or grievous bodily injury by driving without insurance and having no driving licence or insurance.
All matters relate to the fatal road traffic collision in Strabane on Monday involving a car and lorry.
Margaret McLaughlin (69), was a front seat passenger in the car, which was struck by a lorry being driven by Lynch. She died in hospital from injuries sustained in the collision. Her husband Pat, who was driving the car, was also injured but is currently in a stable condition in hospital.
Outlining the details a police officer explained Lynch had driven to Muff in Donegal where he viewed and purchased a cattle lorry.
As he set off home along the Great Northern Link in Strabane, Lynch, who was attempting to change the radio station in the lorry, noted the traffic light at Urney Road had turned amber and being unable to slow down in time, struck the car in which Mrs McLaughlin was a passenger.
The police officer confirmed Lynch gave “an open account and co-operated throughout questioning” advising he had no insurance for the vehicle and his driving licence only covered a car.
A defence solicitor told the court he was unable to put forward an address in Northern Ireland, but Lynch’s father and mother had attended court with £2,000 cash for a surety.
Deputy District Judge Gerry Trainor agreed to bail under certain conditions.
Ordering Lynch to be released once the bail conditions are met, Judge Trainor reiterated his condolences to the victim’s family.
Mrs McLaughlin was well known in Strabane and had worked as a housekeeper for the parish priest, Fr Michael Doherty, for the last 27 years.
Fr Doherty described her as "a tremendous wife, mother and grandmother".
"Her gentle nature was in contrast to the violent way in which she died, but we will keep everyone in our prayers in these coming days," he added.
SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan, who knows the family, said the town is in "a state of stunned shock".
"They were so well known and loved by everybody," he added.
