Northern Ireland

Lorry driver accused of causing death of cyclist

Cyclist Martin Poland died from injuries sustained in crash
Cyclist Martin Poland died from injuries sustained in crash Cyclist Martin Poland died from injuries sustained in crash

A CO. Down lorry driver has appeared in court accused of causing the death of a cyclist almost two years ago.

At Newry Magistrates Court, Neil James McVeigh (36) was charged with causing the death of Martin Poland by driving dangerously on the Annalong Road in Kilkeel on September 13 2020.

The 54-year-old father of one, who was from the Ballymartin area, died five days after his bicycle was in a collision with a lorry.

In court on Monday, McVeigh, from Ballykeel Court in Ballymartin, confirmed that he understood the single charge against him while his defence solicitor conceded there was a case for the lorry driver to answer.

The court clerk told McVeigh 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.

Freeing him on his own bail of £1,000, District Judge Eamon King returned the case to Newry Crown Court for trial and scheduled the arraignment to be heard on September 15.