A garda has gone on trial in Meath for dangerous driving causing the death of a motorcyclist nearly four years ago.
Garda Trevor Owens, 32, with an address at Belmont Avenue in Cootehill, Co Cavan, denies the single charge that arose from the death of 21-year-old Gary Tully from Silver Lawns, Navan, in a crash near Kells during August 2008.
The jury of seven women and five men were sworn in today at Trim Circuit Criminal Court and were told that the trial would last two weeks.
They heard a brief outline of the prosecution's case from counsel for the State, Karl Hanahoe.
He said that at about 6pm on 16 August 2008, Garda McKenna was travelling towards Kells from the direction of Virginia on the main road.
He was overtaken by a motorcycle driven by Mr Tully and was concerned about the manner of the driving, particularly the speed of the motorcycle.
The court heard that he followed the motorcycle for a short distance but also radioed to Kells to say it was approaching the town at speed.
The accused left the garda station in a marked patrol car.
Counsel said both he and the motorcycle approached each other at The Commons of Lloyd, there was a collision and Mr Tully died.
Mr Hanahoe told the jury they would be hearing evidence from several motorists, other eyewitnesses and technical experts during the trial.
No witnesses were called and no evidence was heard today.
The trial before Judge Margaret Heneghan resumes in the morning.
