Man facing trial over fatal crash

A 44-year-old man has been returned for trial to Newry Crown Court charged with causing the death, by dangerous driving, of Dromore man Jim Boyd.
The scene of the fatal accident at Banbridge Road, Dromore.The scene of the fatal accident at Banbridge Road, Dromore.
The scene of the fatal accident at Banbridge Road, Dromore.

Mark Johnston of Glen Rise, Belfast, appeared on Thursday at a preliminary enquiry in Banbridge Magistrates Court.

The charge against him alleges that on April 27 last year he caused the death of Mr Boyd by driving dangerously on the Banbridge Road, Dromore.

Johnston was remanded on his own bail of £750 to appear for arraignment at Newry Crown Court on September 24.

Mr Boyd died in a two car road crash near the underpass on the way to the Halfway House.

Following the accident, tributes poured in for the popular father-of-four.

The 54-year-old, from Drumaghadone Road in Dromore, died when his Mercedes car was in collision with a Vauxhall at around 6pm.

It is believed he and his partner had been heading towards the Halfway House when the accident occurred near the underpass.

Mr Boyd, a cattle dealer by trade, was described as the ‘much loved father’ of James, Laura, Julie and Mark.

At the time of the accident, then Councillor Olive Mercer said, “This was a tragic accident resulting in the sad loss of a life.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Mr Boyd’s family and friends at this time.”

Councillor Paul Rankin described him as ‘well known’ and a popular man who would be sorely missed.

“The community have been left shocked by this awful tragedy,” Mr Rankin commented.

Councillor Hazel Gamble said she was saddened by the news. “I was both shocked and saddened when I heard of this terrible news,” she said.

Edwin Poots, MLA, added: “I am absolutely stunned by what has happened.”