Engineer’s report sought in case over death of Donegal mum

An engineer’s report has been sought in the case of a man charged with dangerous driving causing the death of a woman in Lifford.

Sean Connaughton faces a trial in connection with the death of mother-of-one Laura Connolly in July 2021.

Connaughton faces two charges in relation to a road traffic collision at Townparks, Lifford on July 11, 2021.

Ms Connolly, a female pedestrian, was taken from the scene by Ambulance to University Hospital Letterkenny where she was later pronounced dead.

Connaughton faces a charge of dangerous driving causing death, contrary to section 53 (1) of the Road Traffic Act. Connaughton also faces a charge of failing to keep the vehicle at or near the place, contrary to section 106 of the Road Traffic Act.

The late Laura Connolly.

At Letterkenny Circuit Court this week, Mr Peter Nolan BL, representing Connaughton asked that legal aid in the case be extended to cover an engineer’s report.

Judge John Aylmer granted the application and remanded Connaughton on bail on the same terms and conditions as have been previously in existence.

A book of evidence was served on Connaughton, who has an address in Dundalk, County Louth, in January 2022.

At a previous sitting of Letterkenny District Court, an application to vary the terms of Connaughton’s bail, in relation to the number of times he is required to sign on with An Garda Síochana was objected. Then, Judge Deirdre Gearty upheld the objection made by Sergeant Jim Collins.

At about 2.45am on July 11, 2021 gardaí and emergency services attended at the scene of a traffic collision on the N15 at Townparks, Lifford.

Ms Connolly, who was due to marry next year, had been out window shopping for wedding dresses with friends a few hours before the incident. The 34-year-old was due to get married in 2022.