Tyrone car dealer charged over four-vehicle crash which claimed woman’s life

Damien Maguire, 42 was charged with causing the death of Eileen Maguire by driving dangerously on the Belfast Road in Fivemiletown on 1 November 2013.

Maguire, from the Knockonny Road in Ballygawley, was also accused of causing grievous bodily harm to Mrs Maguire’s husband James, her son Connor and his wife Joanne Maguire also by dangerous driving.

Retired restauranteur 69-year-old Mrs Maguire, from Lisnarick and who is not related to the defendant, tragically died as a result of the injuries she sustained in the four car road traffic collision.

The owner of The Oaks restaurant was a back seat passenger in a car which also contained her husband and son.

The family were on their way back from her brother-in-law’s funeral in Belfast when the incident happened around 5.30pm that day.

Damien Maguire, owner of TC Autos car dealership in Omagh, and his wife Joanne were also injured in the impact.

Damien Maguire confirmed he had received copies of legal papers relating to the committal proceedings.

Although no facts relating to the incident were opened in court, a prosecuting lawyer submitted that based on the statements there was a Prima Facie case against Damien Maguire.

His defence solicitor Michael Fahy had no contrary submissions so District Judge Nigel Broderick said he was satisfied there was a case for the defendant to answer and returned the case to the Crown Court for trial.

The court clerk told Damien Maguire he was not obliged to but could comment on the charges, give evidence to the Preliminary Enquiry or call witnesses on his behalf but he chose to remain silent.

Releasing the car dealer on his own bail of £500 , Judge Broderick ordered him to appear before Dungannon Crown Court on December 8 for arraignment.