A man appeared in court charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a collision that resulted in the death of Raven Adams, 24, in Belfast on July 16. The court was informed that a 999 call was made from York Street on that date, and a white Mazda car was subsequently found on a footpath against a wall.
Police stated that CCTV footage captured the driver leaving the scene on foot. During court proceedings, it was revealed that the defendant's mother had received a call from him indicating suicidal thoughts. A pre-prepared statement was read in court where the defendant, identified as Donaldson, acknowledged responsibility for the incident and stated he was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time and afterward. In the statement, he expressed remorse to the families, emphasizing that his intention was not to harm anyone other than himself.
Prosecutors argued that bail was unsuitable due to the defendant posing a risk to himself and the wider community, and expressed doubts about his ability to be managed on bail given his mental health issues. The judge acknowledged the defendant's apparent state and remorse, concurring with the police's assessment that bail could not be adequately managed. The accused was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court again in four weeks.