Man changes plea in fatal accident trial
A 24-year-old Clifden man will be sentenced in July for a charge of dangerous driving which caused the death of a passenger in his car last year.
Brian McDonagh, from Toombeola, Roundstone, had initially denied a charge of dangerous driving, which caused the death of Thomas McDonagh, at Kylemore, on February 2, 2014, when he appeared for trial before Galway Circuit Criminal Court this morning.
Mr McDonagh did plead guilty to driving without insurance or a driving licence and to failing to produce the documents when asked to do so on February 2, 2014.
A jury was empanelled to hear evidence in the trial which was expected to last the week.
However, moments before the trial was due to being this afternoon, the accused pleaded guilty to the dangerous driving causing death charge.
Judge Rory McCabe discharged the jury and remanded the accused on continuing bail to July 7 for sentence.
On the application of Mr Bernard Madden SC, defending, the judge directed the preparation of a probation report on the accused and also directed the preparation of a victim impact statement.
Extending his sympathies to the family of the deceased, Judge McCabe said he was aware a young man had lost his life in a tragic accident and he said the full facts would be opened to the court on the sentence date.