Giedrius Gasiunas (37), who has an address at Flat Market house, Main Street, Swalinbar faces five charges relating to a road crash on the Monea Road on Saturday, October 15, in which Kristaps Smilskalns lost his life. Mr Smilskalns had been on fishing trip to celebrate his 25th birthday. 

Gasiunas is charged with careless driving causing the death of Mr Smilskans. He is also charged with careless driving causing grievous bodily injury (GBI) to Paul McCabe, another count of careless driving causing GBI to Edele Donegan, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance. 

The defendant, who has yet to enter a plea on the charges, was due to appear at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday. An interpreter had been arranged to assist Gasiunas in court, however he did not show up for the hearing. 

During the brief hearing, a spokesman for the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said there were remaining outstanding forensic and medical reports, which should be available within the coming weeks. They added there were “issues” in relation to the defendant, and asked for a bench warrant to be issued for his arrest. 

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay, looking at his notes, said “there certainly appears to be issues” and issued the bench warrant as requested.