Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
DRIVER KILLS HIS MUM AND AN UNBORN BABY
Man, 48, pleads guilty to causing death in horrific two-car collision
HARROWING details of an accident in which a driver killed his mum and an unborn baby have been revealed.
A woman who was 19 weeks pregnant had just arrived in Northern Ireland when she lost her child after Noel Young smashed into her vehicle.
Derry Crown Court was told the 48-year-old “accepted responsibility from the outset”. He admitting causing the
death of his mum Vera Young, an 82-yearold great grandmother.
The part-time digger driver also pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, by driving without due care and attention, to Warunee Doherty and her father-in-law Bernard Doherty.
They, together with Mrs Doherty’s husband Brian, were on their way from Belfast International Airport for a family holiday in Malin Town, Co Donegal, on August 2, 2015.
Prosecuting counsel Ciaran Murphy told Judge Philip Babington the car was being driven by Mr Doherty at the time of the accident near Magherafelt, Co Derry, on August 2, 2015.
As he approached the junction of Glenshane Road and Lurganagoose Road a Mitsubishi Warrior jeep driven by the defendant came across the lane and collided almost head-on with their car causing it to spin into a ditch.
Mr Murphy said the defendant’s mother Vera, who had dementia, sustained multiple internal injuries and died four days later in hospital.
Mrs Doherty suffered fractures to her left ankle and spine.
Bernard Doherty, who was a rear seat passenger, sustained multiple rib fractures, a fracture of the sternum and a contusion of the right lung.
The prosecutor said although the defendant had no memory of the accident, “it appears to have been caused by gross inadvertence by him”. Mr Murphy added: “He failed to see entirely the oncoming driver and for that there is no clear explanation. This is an absolute tragedy for all concerned.”
Defence barrister Brian Mccartney said there were no aggravating features such as alcohol, speed or dangerous driving.
He added his client “has expressed his remorse which is undeniable and his sense of loss extends to the Doherty family”.
The barrister said: “He has been driving for almost 29 years with absolutely no blemish on his record.”
Mr Mccartney revealed the defendant has had several neuro-surgical procedures for aggressive tumours dating back to 2007.
He said: “He should have been told then, because of his ongoing medical condition, not to drive.”
Young, from Carraloan Road in Magherafelt, Co Derry, was released on bail ahead of his sentencing next Thursday.