Family of Raven Adams Raise Concerns Ahead of Driver's Bail Hearing

The family of Raven Adams, the young woman who lost her life in an alleged hit-and-run collision in North Belfast, have voiced serious concerns ahead of an upcoming court bail hearing.

Francis Donaldson, 22, of Cardigan Drive in Belfast, has remained in custody since his arrest in connection with the fatal incident on York Street. The collision happened at around 2:40 am on Thursday, July 16, as 24-year-old Raven was walking home after finishing her shift at The Thirsty Goat pub. Another man sustained serious injuries during the same incident.

Donaldson is now applying for bail, with a hearing scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28. The hearing had previously been adjourned twice, having originally been listed for October 14 and subsequently October 21.

In response to the upcoming hearing, Raven's mother, Kelsi-Natane Adams, launched an online petition opposing Donaldson's release back into the community while awaiting trial. The petition has already garnered nearly 1,000 signatures from supporters.

In a joint statement, Raven's mother Kelsi-Natane, her father Adam Gill, and stepmother Lucy Atkinson explained their stance: "A petition against the release of Francis Donaldson started by Raven's mum, Kelsi-Natane Adams, has gathered nearly 1,000 signatures. Initially the hearing was listed for the 14th, then the 21st, but it has been adjourned twice and is due to be heard on the 28th. We do encourage anyone who does not feel comfortable with Francis Donaldson being bailed back into the Belfast community whilst awaiting trial to sign our petition. We do not endorse any comments on the offences or ongoing case which we trust will be handled in due course fairly and legally, our immediate concerns lie solely with the community Raven so loved and sadly left behind."

Originally from the Tipperary area, Raven had made Belfast her home and was well regarded by colleagues and friends across the city.