Man in court over Markethill crash deaths

Patrick Grimley, Ciera Grimley and Ciara McElvanna died after the crash

A 19-year-old County Tyrone man has appeared in court charged with causing the death of three people in a crash near Markethill.

Ciera Grimley, her husband Patrick Grimley and their friend Ciara McIlvenna died following the four-car collision on the Gosford Road in the early hours of 4 November.

They were part of a group who had been returning from Mr Grimley’s 40th birthday celebrations.

Josh McGleenan of Ashveagh in Benburb appeared at Newry Magistrates' Court on Monday.

He is charged with three counts of causing death by dangerous driving, four counts of causing GBI by dangerous driving, excess speed, using a mobile phone while driving and being unable to properly control a vehicle.

Nine people were taken to hospital following the crash.

Mr McGleenan spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and that he understood the charges against him, which a detective constable said she was familiar with and could connect the accused to.

No further details of the crash were given in court.

A number of family members of those involved in the crash were present.

The court heard that bail conditions had been agreed which would prevent the accused travelling in any motorised vehicle other than for the purposes of travelling to and from work at agreed times.

The case is due back in court on 18 September.