'Liquor liability' trial of barmen set for next year
Thursday November 26 2009
TWO barmen charged with the unlawful killing of an English man who died from acute alcohol intoxication on the night of his birthday will have their case heard next year.
Bar manager Gary Wright (32) and barman Aidan Dalton (27) -- who are both employed at Hayes' Hotel in Thurles, Co Tipperary -- appeared in court yesterday where they were given the books of evidence concerning the case against them.
The two accused found out yesterday that their manslaughter trial would be tried next year at Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court.
The criminal case -- the first "liquor liability" trial in Ireland -- was brought against the two bar staff following a lengthy probe by gardai under the supervision of Supt Tony Cogan of Thurles Garda Station.
Yesterday was their second court appearance in relation to the case at Thurles District Court before Judge Tom O'Donnell.
They have both been charged with the manslaughter of Graham Parish contrary to common law, at the hotel on July 1, 2008. It is understood that the young man choked to death on his own vomit following a night's socialising at the hotel.
Graham Parish, from Calder Terrace, Lomeshaye village near Nelson, Lancashire, England, was a resident in Hayes Hotel on the night of June 30/July 1, 2008. He had celebrated his 26th birthday on June 30 and his death came about as a result of acute alcohol intoxication while a resident at the hotel.
Charged
Both of the accused men, who previously gave addresses at Kilfithmone, Borrisleigh, Co Tipperary, have been charged with the unlawful killing of the Englishman on the formal directions of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Both bar workers remained silent throughout the brief hearing. Tipperary state solicitor John Cleary told the court that the DPP consented for both accused to be returned to the next sittings of Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court next May.
Judge Tom O'Donnell explained to both accused that if they intended to call alibi witnesses for the upcoming case, they must provide the gardai with their names and addresses within 14 days.
Judge O'Donnell remanded the two accused men on continuing bail to the next sessions of Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court.
The case against Mr Wright and Mr Dalton was listed to be heard in Thurles on Tuesday, but was put back 24 hours because of the public sector national day of protest. Hayes Hotel is located in Liberty Square in Thurles.
- Barry Duggan
Irish Independent
