Suspended sentence for 'inexperienced' County Derry driver who caused serious accident
Caoimhin Donnelly (19) of Knockadoo Road in Moneymore admitted three counts of causing grievous bodily injury by careless driving on March 17, 2022
Derry Crown Court heard today how an accident caused by 'an inexperienced driver' using his mobile phone as a Sat-Nav resulted in multiple injuries, some serious.
Caoimhin Donnelly (19) of Knockadoo Road in Moneymore admitted three counts of causing grievous bodily injury by careless driving on March 17, 2022.
The court heard that police were called to a report of a three vehicle road traffic accident with multiple victims.
They ascertained that Donnelly had approached a crossroads covered by a Stop sign and had not stopped.
His vehicle collided with a BMW which in turn collided with a Golf.
Both vehicles contained passengers and three of the victims were said to have serious injuries including one with internal injuries.
Judge Neil Rafferty KC said that witnesses had reported that Donnelly had been using his mobile phone.
The judge said that the defendant had been using the maps feature on the phone to find a destination.
The court heard that the Stop sign was clearly visible but the judge said the careless driving was simply failing to stop as there were no other factors involved.
Judge Rafferty said that the defendant had led 'a good productive life' and was assesses as being of a low likelihood of re-offending.
He imposed a sentence of nine months suspended for two years and disqualified Donnelly from driving for a period of 18 months.