A solicitor for the 18-year-old charged with dangerous driving causing the death of teenager Grace Lynch in Finglas on Sunday has told the court that his client was “caught red-handed” and made “full admissions” re the horror scrambler bike crash.
Keith Lee of Poppintree Park in Dublin 11 was charged in Blanchardstown District Court this morning with driving a vehicle in a manner, including speed, that caused the death of Grace Gifford Lynch.
Last night, the family of Ms Lynch attended a vigil in Finglas called to support them in their loss, and pledge to obtain justice for Grace. Siobhán Gifford Lynch, Grace’s mother, pledged to fight to get scrambler bikes off the streets.
“I will fight and I will fight to get these scramblers off these streets,” she said. “My poor baby was mangled in that hospital bed. And to watch her take her last breath was the worst pain imaginable. She’s with her twin brother now, I know that, and he’s watching her, he’s minding her, but it’s not something that any parent should have to deal with.”
“With everyone’s support, we’ll get petitions signed, we will get this in the name of Grace,” she said to applause.
Counsel for Keith Lee told the court that he did not want to cause Grace’s family any further distress, the Irish Mirror reported.
The court heard that Mr Lee had admitted to being the driver of the vehicle which had gone through red lights and collided with Grace Lynch at speed.
Mr Lee was granted bail
Meanwhile, the school attended by Grace Lynch, St Michael’s Holy Faith secondary school, her death is a “terrible tragedy” for her family, her school, and the local community.
In a statement, Principal Marie Doyle said: “We have learned of the death of one of our students, Grace Lynch. This is a terrible tragedy for her family, our school and our community. 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 (NEPS) 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.”