A young man accused of killing a Dublin pensioner who died almost three weeks after suffering severe injuries has been sent forward for trial.
Charles McCaughley (69), a grandfather from St Donna’s Road, Donaghmede, Dublin, had been on his way home on the night of June 7th, 2021.
Locals later raised the alarm after finding him unconscious on the ground at Fairview Strand.
He was rushed to Beaumont Hospital with head injuries and remained in a coma before dying on June 26th.
Detectives at Clontarf Garda station opened an investigation into the matter and, in August, charged Josh Rushe (23), from Matt Talbot Court, Dublin 1, with manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Mr McCaughley at Fairview Strand on June 7th, 2021.
The father of two was granted bail and appeared again on Monday at Dublin District Court when he was served with the prosecution’s book of evidence.
The Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment.
Judge Bryan Smyth granted a return for trial order, sending Mr Rush forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be listed for mention on December 1st.
Judge Smyth warned Mr Rushe, who has yet to formally indicate a plea, to notify prosecutors within 14 days if he has an alibi.
The accused spoke only to say he understood and to confirm he had been served with a book of evidence.
Following a request from defence solicitor Damien Coffey, the judge granted legal aid to include senior counsel representation.
Earlier, the court heard the accused was on social welfare, and Judge Smyth noted on Monday that there was no change in his circumstances.
At his first hearing in August, Detective Sergeant David Ennis told the court that the accused “made no reply after charge”.
Mr Rushe had to surrender his passport and ID cards and not apply for duplicates or travel documents.
He was also ordered to provide gardaí with a contact mobile number, be available 24 hours a day, keep the phone switched on, and notify them of any address change.
