*Ennis Courthouse.
A 36 year old Kilmihil man has pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm to a boy in a road traffic accident in February 2024.
At Ennis Circuit Court, Flan Donovan of Croi Na Mbaile, Kilmihil, Co Clare has pleaded guilty to two charges arising from a road traffic accident at Leagard South, Miltown Malbay on February 18th 2024.
Mr Donovan has pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm to Jesse Sherlock at Leagard South, Miltown Malbay on February 18th 2024.
Mr Donovan has also pleaded guilty to breaching his duties to offer assistance when injury had been caused to a person and this was done with intent to escape civil or criminal liability where he knew that injury had been caused to such a nature as to require medical assistance.
This charge is contrary to Section 106 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
After Mr Donovan pleaded guilty when arraigned on the two charges, counsel for the West Clare man, Patrick Whyms BL (instructed by solicitor, Patrick Moylan) said that the matter now becomes one of sentence.
Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (Instructed by solicitor, Aisling Casey) said that there would be a number of victim impact statements required for the sentencing hearing even though there is only one person named in the indictment.
Ms Comerford said that there were four occupants in the vehicle and that Jesse Sherlock was a back seat passenger.
Ms Comerford said that Jesse’s parents and his brother were also in the vehicle. She said that all four received injuries and they are therefore victims in respect of Count 2 before the court.
Ms Comerford said that Jess’s mother and father were both present in court for Mr Donovan’s arraignment.
Judge Francis Comerford further remanded Mr Donovan on bail and adjourned the case to March 5th for a call over of sentences to fix a date for sentence.
