Soldier to face trial over car crash death of fellow soldier

Soldier to face trial over car crash death of fellow soldier

19 August 2015

A SOLDIER has been sent for trial accused of killing a fellow soldier in a car crash near Ballynahinch almost two years ago to the day. 

Standing outside the dock at Lisburn Magistrates Court, 22-year-old Daniel Graham was charged with causing the death of Alan Monteith by driving carelessly on the Carryduff Road on August 16, 2013. 

Graham, with an address at Ballykinler Army Camp, confirmed that he had received legal papers in the case and was aware of the single charge against him. 

The charge arises as a result of a one vehicle road traffic accident on the main road between Carryduff and Ballynahinch which caused fatal injuries to 32-year-old Mr Monteith. 

Although no facts surrounding the collision were opened in court, a prosecuting lawyer submitted that based on the papers, “there is a Prima Facie case for the defendant to answer.”

Defence solicitor Denis Maloney said he had no contrary submissions and described the incident as “a tragic accident.”

Although given the opportunity to comment on the charge or call witnesses on his behalf, Mr Maloney said Graham had nothing to say “at this stage” but that he “will be contesting the matter.”

Committing the case against Graham to the Crown Court for trial, District Judge Rosie Watters released the soldier on his own bail of £500 and ordered him to appear at Craigavon courthouse on September 22 for arraignment.