A 22-year-old man has appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court charged in relation to a fatal hit‑and‑run in north Belfast on 16 July. The pedestrian victim, identified by police as Raven Adams, 24, from County Tipperary, died at the scene following the collision on York Street.
Details of the incident and charges
The defendant, Francis Donaldson of Cardigan Drive in Belfast, faces multiple driving-related charges, including causing death by dangerous driving and causing grievous bodily harm by dangerous driving. Police said a second person was seriously injured in the same incident.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 16 July |
| Location | York Street, north Belfast |
| Victim | Raven Adams, 24, from County Tipperary |
| Defendant | Francis Donaldson, 22, Cardigan Drive, Belfast |
Prosecutors told the court emergency services attended following a 999 call and located a white Mazda resting on the footpath against a wall. Police say CCTV captured the driver leaving the scene on foot before later making contact with his mother. Officers informed the court they believed the defendant presented a risk to himself and to the public and that bail would not be suitable.
Mental health raised in court
In a prepared statement read at the hearing, Donaldson accepted responsibility and said he had been in the grip of a mental health crisis at the time of the collision and afterwards. He spoke only to confirm he understood the charges.
"I have to express remorse to the families, it was never my intention to cause anyone harm. I accept I am responsible for what happened. I was experiencing a mental health crisis both at the time and afterwards."
The prosecution argued that, given his state and the circumstances of the incident, custody remained necessary. The judge observed the defendant appeared remorseful and in a disturbed state but agreed with police that managing his condition on bail would not be appropriate. Donaldson was remanded in custody and is due to appear at a higher court for further proceedings.
What this means locally
The collision occurred on a busy arterial route into the city and has prompted renewed questions about pedestrian safety, vehicle conduct and the resources available to manage mental health crises. The case will proceed through the courts, where further evidence, including CCTV and witness accounts, is expected to be considered.
- Charge summary: causing death by dangerous driving; causing grievous bodily harm by dangerous driving; other driving offences.
- Court outcome: defendant remanded in custody pending further hearings.
- Local impact: fatality on York Street; another person seriously injured; community concerns about road safety.
Police continue to investigate the incident. Anyone with information or relevant footage is asked to contact the PSNI to assist inquiries.
