The incident occurred on February 22nd, 2025.
A forensic engineer's report has been sought for a man facing trial over a fatal collision which claimed the life of a father-of-one on a rural midlands road last year.
Patrick Hussey Hanna, 28, appeared at a sitting of Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, having been served with a book of evidence earlier this month in connection with an incident that resulted in the death of Dean Wearen, 26, who was on an off-road vehicle near Finea, Co Westmeath, at around 3:30 pm on February 22, 2025.
He faces a single charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Wearen at Tullystown, Finea, Westmeath, under section 53 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
Mr Hussey Hanna, of Crossdrum Upper, Oldcastle, Meath, has yet to indicate a plea. John Keenan Hayden SC, defending, said the case related to a tragic event on a road about 4.8 metres wide, and the forensic report was vital to advise his client properly.
Judge Johnson adjourned the case for arraignment, when a defendant formally enters a plea, on April 14 next.
Mr Hussey Hanna, dressed in a navy suit and white shirt, stood during the hearing but was not required to address the court.
Judge Johnson remanded him on continuing bail.
Mr Wearen, from Kells, Co Meath, died after a quad bike he was using was involved in a collision with a motorcycle.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was brought to Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, for a post-mortem examination.
Legal aid was granted earlier to Mr Hussey Hanna in the District Court, which had heard that he was unemployed, paying rent, and had a credit union loan.
€114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete
Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony
No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices
Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands
Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands
Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception
Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire
Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling
Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident
Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Mary O'Rourke At Bridge Dedication
Midlands Walking Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Weekend
OPW Minister Wants "Grown Ups" To Resolve Children's Science Museum Fallout
Offaly TD Criticises VAT Disparity For Beauty And Nail Salons
Laois Council Launches Clinics For Vacant Home Grants
Former Children's TV Presenter Revisits Midlands Towns On Nostalgic Journey
€7m Shannon Callows Flood Plans Facing Key Hurdles
Appeal Lodged Against New Lidl Development In Laois
Housing Completions Jump Sharply In Laois In Early 2026
Bressie To Perform At Oprah Winfrey Dublin Show
Daniel Kinahan To Be Held In Laois Prison