A witness on one of the buses said the bus shook as the car passed, such was its speed

taken up several courses and has attained certificates, Ms Phelan said.

Describing it as a very serious offence of dangerous driving causing death, and also causing serious harm, Judge Quinn said the defendant was the driver of a stolen vehicle.

Both Mr Brennan and Ms Weafer had been out enjoying a social night and were on their way home when this accident occurred, he said.

The defendant left the scene, and subsequently left the jurisdiction, before been extradited back to Ireland to face these charges. Also, he had a number of previous convictions, the judge noted.

The mitigating circumstances were that, albeit late, O’Brien offered his apologies to the families and also to the gardaí.

He said he would take into account the various reports before the court, including a report from the Prison Governor. He said he would also take into account the victim impact statement of Caroline Donohoe.

Judge Quinn said he would impose a seven-year prison sentence on the charge of dangerous driving causing death; a six-year concurrent sentence for dangerous driving causing serious harm to Ms Weafer; and two six-month concurrent sentences on each of failing to remain at scene of accident, and no insurance.

Judge Quinn also disqualified the defendant from driving for 15 years on the no insurance offence.

On the seven year sentence he said he would suspend the final twelve months on the defendant entering into a bond of €200 to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for twelve months on his release.

Judge Quinn also said he would backdate the sentence to May 3, 2019. He granted counsel free legal aid should they consider an appeal.