Second man returned for trial accused of allowing child to drive lorry on M1

Dungannon Magistrates' Court

Dungannon Magistrates' Court

Tanya Fowles

Today at 13:12

A second man has been returned for trial on child cruelty charges after allegedly allowing a young girl to drive a lorry on the M1 motorway.

The accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the child, appeared before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court today accused of wilfully exposing the girl in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to a female child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health.

It is further alleged he aided and abetted the child to drive an HGV lorry dangerously and whilst disqualified by age.

Offending is alleged to have occurred on September 6, 2020.

A prosecuting lawyer told the court there is a case to answer, which was agreed by District Judge Michael Ranaghan.

The accused spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charges against him.

He declined to call witnesses or give evidence on his own behalf at this stage.

Judge Ranaghan remanded him on £500 bail to appear before Dungannon Crown Court for arraignment on January 11.