A Garda accused of dangerous driving during an incident in which three men died in a crash on the N7 in Dublin must face trial at a Circuit Court.
The three members of a Tallaght-based gang died instantly following a head-on collision with a truck while they were driving on the wrong side of the road fleeing Gardaí on July 7th 2021.
Garda John Francis Ryan of Tallaght Garda station is accused of three counts of dangerous driving and of endangerment of life.
State solicitor Tom Conlon told Judge Michele Finan that "the DPP directed summary disposal on a guilty plea" in the District Court. Otherwise it would go to the Circuit Court which, on conviction, has broader sentencing powers.
It's alleged he drove on the wrong side of the road between Rathcoole and Citywest in a reckless manner.
He was first summonsed to Dublin District Court in June, and the matter was adjourned to October when the court ordered the prosecution to hand over the relevant material - including video footage.
The case has been adjourned until June 26th so a book of evidence can be served and to make an order sending the accused forward to the higher court because he's contesting the case.
The Garda's solicitor was present for the latest development in the case and some relatives of the deceased watched from the public gallery.
The court has ordered the media not to publish the Garda's address.
Reporting by Tom Tuite
