Driver says sorry for death of his friend in Enniscrone crash
A 21 year old man has said sorry for causing the death of his 17 year old friend in a crash in Enniscrone in Marhc 2016.
The apology came after Patrick Flynn of Farrellmacfarrell, Dromore West pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of Sean Egan at Pier Road, Enniscrone on March 19 th 2016.
The accused had initially pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing death but was rearraigned before Sligo Circuit Court last Thursday when a new charge was put to him.
Mr Pat Reynolds BL (prosecuting) with Ms Elisa McHugh, State Solicitor, said the case would be proceeding in due course on a full facts basis.
The guilty plea was entered before a jury of eight men and four women which had been sworn in to try the case initially.
The deceased was a passenger in a Volkswagen Caddy driven by his friend Patrick Flynn which crashed at 1.45am.
An inquest which opened into the death last August was told the passenger side of the car was wedged up against a wall.
The Garda who arrived at the scene found the deceased in the passenger seat with head injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dr Paul Hartell carried out the postmortem examination of the victim and said he had “massive head injuries” and internal injuries which were “incompatible with life.”
On Thursday last. Mr Colm Smyth SC with Mr Keith O’Grady BL, instructed by Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor said he had been asked by the defendant to say how deeply and profoundly sorry he was for what occurred.
This had been the defendant’s first opportunity to offer an apology in public.
“He realises the great loss inflcited on the dceased’s parents,” said Mr Smyth.
He added that the defendant was currently studying at UCD and that the matter has had a profound effect on him and he was also conscious of the effect, multiple times over, on the deceased’s parents.
Mr Smyth said a probation report on the accused would be invaluable for the sentencing hearing which was fixed by Judge Francis Comerford for February 12 th next.
Judge Comerford also directed an Victim Impact Report.
Flynn was remanded on contnuing bail to that date.
The deceased’s mother was present in court and confirmed her son was aged 17 and eleven months when he was killed.