A 38-YEAR-OLD man accused of causing death by dangerous driving in Fermanagh around 18 months ago has been returned for trial.

Giedrius Gasiunas, of Main Street, Hawkswood, Swanlinbar, County Cavan, is charged with causing the death of Kristaps Smilskalns by driving a motor vehicle dangerously at Derrygonnelly Road (Monea Road) on October 15, 2016.

Gasiunas is also facing a further eight charges in relation to the incident.

He is also charged with causing grievous bodily injury to Paul McCabe and Edel Donnegan by dangerous driving.

Meanwhile, the defendant faces three counts relating to being an uninsured driver and a further three counts related to being an unlicensed driver.

Gasiunas appeared in the dock at Fermanagh Magistrates Court for a preliminary enquiry – the last stage in the legal process before a case involving indictable offences is transferred to a higher court.

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

His solicitor, David Buchanan, said that this was not fully conceded, before adding he had no contrary submissions to make at this stage.

Gasiunas declined at this stage to answer the charges.

He further declined to give evidence himself, call any witnesses or tender a written statement of a witness.

Deputy district judge, Laura Ievers, remanded the defendant in custody to appear before Dungannon Crown Court for arraignment on Tuesday, May 22.