A student from Co Armagh has appeared in court accused of causing his girlfriend’s death by dangerous driving.
Appearing in the dock of Armagh Magistrates Court, sitting in Newry, Zane Brown (21) confirmed he was aware of the single charge against him.
The sports science student from Dorchester Drive in Portadown is accused of causing the death of Rachael Lowry (17) by driving dangerously on the Coolmillish Road in Markethill on 24 September 2020.
A talented and award-winning drum major with Quinn Memorial Pipe Band, Rachael was the passenger in Brown’s Ford Fiesta car when it was involved in a single vehicle road traffic collision at around 1pm that day.
While none of the alleged facts surrounding her tragic death were opened in court on Tuesday, a prosecuting lawyer submitted the legal papers and statements formed the basis of a prima facie case against Brown which was conceded by his defence solicitor.
The court clerk told Brown that although not obliged to, he had the right to comment on the charge and to call evidence on his own behalf, but he declined the opportunity.
District Judge Anne Marshall said she was satisfied there was a case to answer and returning the case to Newry Crown Court, scheduled the arraignment to be heard on March 28, freeing Brown on £500 bail in the meantime.
Applying for legal aid, Brown’s solicitor revealed he is currently studying for a degree in sports science and is currently on placement with 'Healthy Kidz'. It delivers physical activity sessions and health and wellbeing services to children across the north.
Following her death, Ms Lowry's family expressed their heartfelt grief at the tragic and sudden loss of Rachael, who was "especially special to the entire family circle".
They said: "Rachael had grown into a beautiful young 17-year-old girl with great gifts in music and creativity.
"The family were so proud of Rachael when in 2017 she won the Junior World Drum Major Championship, and again in 2019 when she was runner-up in the Juvenile World Drum Major competition.
"With excellent GCSE results this year and beginning a Health and Social Care course at the SRC in Armagh, Rachael had a bright future ahead of her, however, the family’s joy in Rachael’s achievements were turned into tears of overwhelming grief."
