IN COURT 

Teen, 18, appears in court charged with dangerous driving after Finglas scrambler crash caused death of Grace Lynch, 16

A TEENAGER, 18, has been charged with dangerous driving causing the death of schoolgirl Grace Lynch, 16.

She was killed when she was struck by a scrambler bike on the Ratoath Road on January 25.

Keith Lee, from Park View Drive, Poppintree Park, Dublin appeared before Blanchardstown District Court in connection with her death.

He was charged with driving a vehicle in a manner which was dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of another person.

Grace died in hospital a number of hours after she was hit by a scrambler bike over the weekend.

Wearing a black tracksuit, Lee didn’t speak during the brief court hearing.

Garda Thomas McDaniel said he was objecting to bail because it was an “extremely serious offence”.

The court also heard that Lee suffers from ADHD and was administered medication during his detention.

Defence solicitor Wayne Kenny also said Lee lives with his mother and his father had passed away some years ago.

Judge Clancy said it was an offence of the “utmost seriousness which resulted in the tragic loss of life of Grace Lynch.”

“But he’s entitled to the presumption of innocence so I’m going to grant bail.”

She said Lee was to sign on three times a week at Ballymun Garda Station and he was to hand in his passport to Garda McDaniel.

She said he was “not to drive any mechanically-propelled vehicle, legal or illegal, which includes a car, a scrambler or scooter of any kind.

Bail was granted his own bond of €2,500 of which he was to lodge €1,000 and an independent surety bond of €2,000, of which €1,000 was to be lodged.

Judge Clancy also ordered him to have no contact with Grace Lynch’s family and adjourned the case for DPP directions until May 1.

She granted legal aid in the case. Hundreds of people gathered with pink balloons and flowers at a vigil for Grace last night.

The residents of Valley Park, family and friends walked through the streets of Finglas remembering the teen.

Grace’s heartbroken mum Siobhan led the crowd as she held a banner with her daughter’s face on it.

The teen was on her way to meet her boyfriend when she was struck by a scrambler while crossing the road.

A garda escort led the vigil to Plunkett Street, where mourners sang the ballad Grace in her memory.

Mum Siobhan said: “I just want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for coming out and supporting my child.

Tributes flooded in for the teenager following her death.

The principal of St Michael’s Holy Faith Secondary School in Finglas, where Grace was a pupil, described her death as a “terrible tragedy” for the young girl’s family, the school and the local community.

Principal Marie Doyle said: “We are deeply saddened by her passing. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Grace’s family and friends.

“Grace was a 5th year pupil and was a lovely, bright, kind girl. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Our school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan.

“Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service have been with us all day supporting and advising teachers in efforts to assist our students at this time.

“Our teachers have been helping students to deal with this very sad event.”