A Buncrana man has indicated he will plead guilty to manslaughter when his case is heard in Circuit Court later this year.
Kevin Grant, residing at 21 Parkmore, Buncrana, appeared in Buncrana District Court and was sent forward for trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court after signing a guilty plea.
The charges allege that Mr. Grant, 37, unlawfully killed James Devine on Main Street, Clonmany, on May 12, 2024.
Mr. Devine, 66, a father of four from Raphoe, sustained severe head injuries after being struck by a vehicle that left the scene. He passed away in hospital several days later.
Family members of the late Mr. Devine were present in court, while Mr. Grant stood with his mother at the courtroom’s rear.
The signed guilty plea is an admission of the manslaughter offense in the District Court. However, Mr. Grant retains the option to change his plea when the case is presented to the Circuit Court in approximately three months.
Judge Eiteain Cunningham ordered the accused to appear at the next session of Letterkenny Circuit Court.
“I’m noting that the DPP consents to the accused being sent forward on a signed plea to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court, which commences on October 28,” she stated.
“I’m noting the [guilty] plea has now been signed before this court.”
The judge then addressed the defendant: “I’m now going to give you the alibi warning; I’m going to do that notwithstanding the signed plea in case there is a vacation at any stage.”
“If you continue to rely on alibi evidence in the defense of your case at the Circuit Court, you must give written notice to the State Solicitor within fourteen days – and your solicitor will explain that further to you.”
Judge Cunningham also issued the “usual Section 56 order,” requiring all copies of Garda interviews to be shared with the defense, despite the guilty plea.
Mr. Grant was represented by Barrister Ciaran Elders, who requested a second counsel, citing the seriousness of the charge against his client.
Garda Inspector Sean McDaid expressed his surprise at the need for a second counsel, given the signed guilty plea, but acknowledged that “the charges are very serious”.
Mr. Grant was released on continuing bail, with terms agreed to by all parties.
Mr. Grant also faces several additional road traffic charges, including failing to report a collision and failing to remain at the scene. These charges were adjourned to Buncrana District Court on January 8, 2026.
Buncrana man sent forward for trial on manslaughter charge was last modified: July 11th, 2025 by
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