Woman faces trial over collision that left Limerick garda with life-changing injuries
THE BOOK of evidence has been served on a woman in relation to a road traffic collision that left a senior Limerick garda - Inspector Niall Flood - with life-changing injuries.
The accused - Niamh McDonnell, aged 29, of Gortskagh, Castlemahon was charged before Christmas with a total of eight offences - dangerous driving causing serious injury; dangerous driving; drink driving; drug driving; no insurance; failing to stop following the incident; failing to offer assistance and failing to keep vehicle at or near the occurrence.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred at Clonmore, Dromcollogher on June 30, 2022. At last week’s court in Newcastle West, Detective Sergeant Michael Reidy gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on Ms McDonnell.
“There is one count (dangerous driving causing serious injury) on the indictment,” said Det Sgt Reidy.
Inspector Gearoid Thompson said the DPP has consented for the matter to be sent forward to the next sittings of Limerick Circuit Court. Judge Carol Anne Coolican remanded the defendant on bail to the next circuit court sittings.
Con McMahon BL, who represented Ms McDonnell during the procedural matter, made an application for free legal aid to include a solicitor and barrister. Judge Coolican granted the application.
The court heard the other alleged offences would “track” the circuit court matter in the district court but may be “added to the indictment in due course”.