Belfast man expresses 'complete and utter regret' after death of teen in crash

Belfast man expresses 'complete and utter regret' after death of teen in crash The 29-year-old is also charged with causing grievous bodily injury to an 11-year-old boy, also by dangerous and careless driving. 13:35, 29 Apr 2026 Updated 13:47, 29 Apr 2026 A North Belfast man appeared in court and was remanded in custody today (Wed), accused of causing a collision which caused the death of a teenager and has left another child in a critical condition. Appearing handcuffed in the dock of Limavady Magistrates Court , sitting in Coleraine, 29-year-old Tiernan McCann confirmed he understood the eight charges against him. McCann, from Flax Street in Belfast, is charged with causing the death of Callum Hutchinson by driving dangerously and carelessly on the Belfast Road at Nutts Corner on 26 April this year. The 29-year-old is also charged with causing grievous bodily injury to a 10-year-old boy, also by dangerous and careless driving. He is further charged with driving while unfit through drink or drugs, driving at excess speed, using his mobile phone while driving and having an incorrect form of registration mark, alleged to have been committed on the same date. At the conclusion of the hearing, defence solicitor Andrew Kinney said while he realised words cannot assuage the “fear and grief of the family, but he has asked me to state for the record, his complete and utter regret for his actions.” While Detective Constable Baxter gave evidence that he believed he could connect McCann to each of the charges, the court also heard that “admissions were made” by the defendant that he had taken both alcohol and drugs. In a police statement at the time, Detective Inspector Stewart from the Collision Investigation Unit said: “Police received a report of a collision involving a Black Volkswagen Golf and a silver Volkswagen Passat shortly before 8am. “Officers attended alongside emergency partners, and a male passenger in the Passat, who was aged 16 and from the Tipperary area, passed away at the scene. "The driver of the Passat sustained minor injuries, while two other passengers are still in hospital, including an 10-year-old child who remains in a critical condition. “Our enquiries are continuing, and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 348 of 26/04/26.” Despite defence submissions that McCann could be freed subject to bail conditions and a £1,000 cash surety, District Judge Peter King said McCann has relevant driving convictions in the Youth Court. Article continues below “On balance, you are not a suitable candidate for bail,” the judge ruled, remanding McCann in custody and adjourning the case to 26 May. For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter .