TWO men charged in connection with the death of a Monaghan pensioner in a road traffic collision in Fermanagh in 2016 have been returned for trial.

Patrick James McGeough (79), from Smithborough in County Monaghan, died as a result of the crash on Cavan Road, near Newtownbutler, on September 3, 2016.

Caolan Maguire (18), of Clonagore, Clones, County Monaghan, is charged with causing Mr. McGeough’s death by driving dangerously.

He is also facing further charges relating to not having a driving licence or insurance at the time of the fatal crash.

Meanwhile, his co-accused, Kieran Smith (22), of Lisbree, Cootehill in County Cavan, is charged with aiding and abetting Mr. Maguire in causing Mr. McGeough’s death by dangerous driving.

He is also facing two further counts relating to aiding and abetting the co-defendant in committing offences of driving while unfit and driving with excess alcohol.

Both men appeared before Fermanagh Magistrates Court for a preliminary enquiry in their case.

A Public Prosecution Service (PPS) representative told the court that, based on the papers submitted, they had a case to answer.

Neither lawyer representing the defendants conceded that their clients had a case to answer, but they did not make any contrary submissions at this stage.

Deputy district judge, Laura Ievers, ruled that she was satisfied there was a case to answer.

Both defendants declined to answer the charges at this stage.

They further declined, at this stage, to give evidence themselves, call any witnesses or tender a written statement of a witness.

The judge released both men on their own bail to appear before Dungannon Crown Court for their arraignment on Wednesday, January 31.