Alleged driver in fatal Kildare hit & run gets bail
Marrin Silaghi outside Athy District Court
THE man accused of the fatal hit and run of a Kildare teenager in November finally got bail at a cost of €20,000 last week (28 January) after a judge accepted the bona fides of the accused’s cousin and his business partner to underwrite the amount.
Kedagh Moore (16) from Robertstown was killed when struck on the R403 in Blackwood some time after midnight on 10 November. The alleged driver Marrin Sillaghi (40) with an address at Ballybrittas, Portlaoise was arrested three hours later after being stopped at a random garda checkpoint in Carbury.
Two days later in Athy District Court, Mr Sillaghi was refused bail – despite offers of a €10,000 surety – due to garda fears of him being a flight risk after it was revealed the accused had only been in Ireland eight weeks at the time of the collision.
Last week in Athy District Court (28 January), Mr Sillaghi’s legal team came back with double that offer; however, gardaí still opposed this, and Judge John Brennan decided to hear arguments.
Mr Sillaghi’s fist cousin Cosmin Chris and his business partner Darren Delaney, the directors of D&C Paveright from just outside Kilcock on the Naas Road, came to court to prove they were able to provide this legitimately.
The two men testified their company was almost ten years old, had “nearly 100 employees” and they would be furnishing a company cheque.
Sergeant Des McHale gave state’s evidence in the hearing and objected to this, indicating that Mr Chis has two minor motoring offences (holding a mobile phone, and failure to produce insurance) and two bench warrants from May 2021 that were due before court next month. “The fact that he didn’t turn up in court means he shouldn’t be able to be responsible for someone,” said Sgt McHale. “The bench warrant in regard to the mobile phone is still outstanding,” noted defending solicitor Tim Kennelly, before adding: “The gardaí aren’t that pressed if the warrant is over four years old.”
“You’re objecting to this bank statement not having a name on it?” asked Mr Kennelly.
“Yes. I don’t know where this €20,000 is coming from, that’s my objection,” said Sgt McHale. “They’ve given evidence they’re directors of the company, and it’s a massive gamble!” argued Mr Kennelly.
“Who does it [€20,000] belong to?” asked Judge Brennan. “It’s a company account,” confirmed Mr Kennelly.
“He’s a busy man, successful businessman, but we’ve no proof of this account,” said Sgt McHale.
“It was important Mr Delaney was in court to prove they’re both directors. Notwithstanding the fears of the state, I can approve this surety and this money can be lodged. My condolences to the bereaved family,” said the judge.
