A father and his eight-year-old daughter have undergone amputations after a quad bike and van collision, a court has heard. The incident occurred on Edergole Road near Omagh on Saturday, July 25.
The van driver, Brannon Mullan, 36, appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates' Court on Monday. He faces charges including causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice. He is also accused of driving with excess alcohol, having an incorrect registration mark, and failing to notify ownership of the vehicle.
According to a police officer's testimony, the eight-year-old girl had her leg amputated below the knee, and her father had his foot amputated below the ankle. Police discovered the two victims on the road with severe lower limb injuries. Officers observed a damaged white van and a quad bike on its side at the scene.
Prosecutors objected to Mullan being granted bail, citing concerns about his actions after the crash. A detective told the court that Mullan allegedly attempted to set fire to his van shortly after the collision. Police also stated Mullan was the sole individual with access to the vehicle. The court heard that Mullan was on bail for a separate case at the time of the incident.
Mullan's defense solicitor described the event as a tragic accident, emphasizing that Mullan did not flee the scene and admitted to driving the vehicle. The solicitor requested bail with strict conditions.
District Judge Alana McSorley denied bail, stating that Mullan had breached his existing bail by consuming alcohol and subsequently driving. The judge expressed concern over Mullan's actions post-incident and the serious, life-changing injuries sustained by the child and her father, deeming the risks unmanageable.
Mullan, who is reportedly a new father and sole provider for his family, was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear at Omagh Magistrates Court on August 18 via video link.
Chief Inspector McConville of the Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that officers responded to a report of the collision involving a Peugeot Partner van and a quad bike. The driver of the van was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol and causing grievous bodily injury by driving carelessly with excess alcohol. Enquiries into the circumstances of the collision are ongoing.