A man accused of causing a serious road traffic collision in Omagh while on bail for near identical charges has failed in his latest bid for bail.
Brannon Mullan (36) from Shanmullagh Park, Draperstown but remanded in custody since the most recent matters involving allegedly causing grievous bodily injury to a father and his eight-year-old daughter by dangerous driving, after consuming and perverting the course of justice by attempting to burn his vehicle at the scene.
This occurred on July 25 collision at Edergoole Road, Omagh.
However, Mullan was on bail for a matter on April 21, 2025 at Main Street, Carrickmore in which he is charged with causing grievous bodily injury to a woman by dangerous driving and whilst a disqualified driver and without insurance.
While the recent matter is in the early stage at Omagh Magistrates’ Court, the other case is before Dungannon Crown Court where Mullan sought bail.
Prosecuting counsel Michael McAleer said given the circumstances from last year, “the defendant was involved in another road traffic incident after consuming excess alcohol and whilst disqualified. He collided with another vehicle and the father and daughter onboard both sustained life-changing injuries, involving lower limb amputations.
Mr McAleer pointed to a previous relevant record and along with the latest allegations, Mullan breached crown court bail, and if released, “He is likely to commit further offences as evidenced by the fact he did so. The seriousness of the offences and the fact they practically mirror the original matters, should cause the court grave concern.”
He also pointed out Mullan first appeared before Dungannon Crown Court for arraignment on July 6 and the latest offending occurred three weeks later.
Defence counsel Blaine Nugent acknowledged the application for bail was difficult given the similarity of offending although stressed, “They are similar in that they were road traffic matters, otherwise they are no way comparable.”
However, he said on examining the details of the July offences, “There are issues that jump off the page. The complainant and his daughter were travelling on quad quite late in the evening on a rural road. There are issues about causation and glaring omissions.”
Mr Nugent told the court Mullan could be considered a contributor to society, working as an excavator driver and has a job to go to if released.
“He has extremely positive influences in his life, with his parents and his partner with whom he has a six-month-old baby,” said the defence.
“His father is prepared to put forward a £5000 cash surety to demonstrate his confidence in the defendant to the court. There are an armoury of conditions open to the court including an electronic tag so police know where he is at all times.”
However, Mr McAleer countered: “A tag does not allow police to know where he is at all times. It simply allows a curfew to be monitored. It is not a GPS situation. In any bail application in which the court may set conditions, they are only as good as the person they are imposed upon. The defendant has proven the court cannot trust him in that regard.”
Judge Brian Sherrard said: “Whilst the court must consider the presumption of bail. The defendant was on bail and further allegations have arisen. I’m alert to the fact the defendant is the father of a six-month-old baby, who was about four-months at the time of the July incidents. It may be that the child was not uppermost in his mind at that juncture. I have little faith he would not reoffend and I do not consider him a candidate for bail.”
