Accused of knocking lady

A man accused of dangerous driving after hitting an elderly woman crossing the road in Skreen has been refused permission to plead guilty to a lesser charge of careless driving.

Charles Mitchell (61) of Beltra, Coolaney stands accused of dangerous driving at Dromard, Skreen on New Year’s Eve 2015.

His solicitor, Mr Fergal Kelly, told the court that Mitchell was pleading guilty to a lesser charge of careless driving.

However after hearing the facts of the case, Judge Kilrane refused to allow this and ordered that Mitchell be tried on the Dangerous Driving charge.

Inspector Donal Sweeney earlier told the court that when Gardaí arrived at the scene they saw Ms Maureen Keaveney on the road and another car parked on a dangerous part of the road.

It was alleged Gardaí spoke to Mitchell and he said he was driving from Sligo towards Skreen and saw a lady walk out in front of him and he clipped her with his left wing mirror and knocked her to the ground.

The court heard it was raining heavily at the time and the woman sustained serious injuries in the incident.

The judge was told the woman was crossing the road to the Post Office at the time, around 11.15am and was wearing a red jumper, red jacket and black trousers.

Mr Kelly said Mitchell saw the woman “late” and swerved, clipping her with the wing mirror of his car.

Judge Kilrane said he couldn’t accept a reduced charge of careless driving. “A lady emerged from a parked car and reached the centre of the road-