Romanian charged in connection with fatal hit-and-run that killed teen 'genuinely thought he hit a deer'

A Romanian national charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run where a 16-year-old boy was killed "genuinely thought he hit a deer," a court has heard.

Marin Silaghi, 40, with an address at Ballybrittas, Portlaoise, Co Laois, appeared before Athy District Court on Tuesday morning charged with hit-and-run - failing to stop at the scene with intent to escape liability for a death under Section 106 of the Road Traffic Act.

The accused, who only arrived in the country eight weeks ago, is also charged with driving a dangerous vehicle after a collision.

READ MORE - Funeral details announced for teen tragically killed in suspected hit and run

READ MORE - Tributes paid to 16-year-old boy killed in suspected hit-and-run in Kildare

Teenager Kedagh Moore, of Graigues in Robertstown, Co Kildare was tragically killed as he walked along the R4-3 in Blackwood near Robertstown when it is suspected he was struck by a van in the early hours of Sunday morning, November 10.

Garda Mark Ryan of Naas Garda Station gave evidence he arrested Silaghi on Monday, November 11 and charged him with the two offences. He said the accused made "no reply" after caution.

Gda Ryan said it is alleged the accused was involved in a collision on Sunday, November 10 at 12.40am in Blackwood where it is alleged a teenager was struck by a vehicle and the accused failed to remain at the scene.

Gda Ryan said three hours later, the accused was stopped by gardai at a Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) Checkpoint in Carbury, Co Kildare.

Gda Ryan said the accused was quizzed by gardai about "the extensive damage to the van where the windscreen on the driver’s side was smashed and the bonnet was very badly damaged."

The accused was then brought to Leixlip Garda Station where he was arrested and charged with the two offences.

Gda Ryan said further charges are likely.

Defence solicitor Tim Kennelly said Silaghi, who turned 40 last Friday, claimed "he genuinely believed he hit a deer."

"He came to Ireland eight weeks ago to work with his cousin and wants to bring his family here," Mr Kennelly said, adding €10K surety can be made available if bail is granted.

Objecting to bail, Gda Ryan said "no conditions would satisfy me" and said the accused "is a flight risk" as well as the serious nature of the allegations.

Judge Zaidan said he is satisfied strict bail conditions are "not appropriate" and remanded the accused in custody to appear before Naas District Court next Tuesday, November 19 via video link for DPP directions.

Judge Zaidan also offered his condolences to the family of Kedagh Moore.

Sign up to the Irish Mirror's daily newsletter here and get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox