FIVE people have been sentenced at Laganside Crown Court today in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision on the Stewartstown Road.
On Friday, 5th February 2021 at approximately 10.15pm police received a report of a serious single-vehicle collision involving a pedestrian who was walking his dog.
Local man Richard Gerard Boyle (42) was taken to hospital where he sadly later died from his injuries – his pet dog died at the scene of the collision.
The suspect vehicle which failed to remain at the scene, was located a short time later unoccupied and alight in the Norglen area of Turf lodge.
Today, Martin Sean Olali (27) from Lisburn, Martin Paul Olali (50) from Dromore, Emma McCune (28) from Lisburn, and Belfast men Tiernan Holden (25) and Hugh O’Neill (28) were sentenced for their involvement in the collision that led to Mr Boyle’s death.
The five defendants had entered guilty pleas to a range of offences in an earlier court hearing.
Martin Sean Olali was handed a 31 month sentence for the offences of causing death by careless driving, driving a Volkswagen on the Stewartstown Road without insurance, and failing to stop and report at the scene of an accident and perverting the course of justice. He will serve half in prison and half on licence.
Martin Paul Olali was sentenced to 12 months suspended for two years for withholding information, while Hugh O’Neill was sentenced to nine months, suspended for 18 months for assisting offenders by providing a false alibi and withholding information.
Emma McCune was sentenced to 11 months suspended for 18 months for withholding information.
Meanwhile, Tiernan Holden was handed an 18 month sentence for assisting offenders by providing transport and withholding information, suspended for three years.
Outlining the case, Detective Inspector Dane said: “The burnt out vehicle located on the night of the fatal collision was identified as a Navy VW Golf that was insured and registered to Martin Sean Olali
“Police had received a call from Olali reporting that his vehicle and mobile phone had been stolen earlier that evening.
“O’Neill told police he had been with Olali that evening who left at around 2am to go to his girlfriend Emma McCune’s house. The car was noticed to have been stolen at approximately 12.30am.
“Olali was interviewed by police and denied any involvement in the offences that were put to him.
“Holden was identified as having been in contact with Olali immediately following the collision, and was arrested in April 2021 on suspicion of a number of offences linked to the collision and subsequent arson of the vehicle.
“On 20th October 2021, police arrested Emma McCune and father of Martin Olali, Martin Paul Olali for their involvement by withholding information.”
Detective Inspector Dane continued: “Mr Boyle’s family and friends have been left heartbroken by the void of his death which has caused unimaginable pain. While nothing can bring Richard back, we hope that today’s sentencing outcome can provide a little comfort to those who loved him, and will go some way to seeing justice served.
“There is no place on our roads for drivers like Olali, whose careless actions on the night of 5th February 2021, took the life if an innocent man who was enjoying a leisurely walk with his beloved pet.”
