Judge: Obscene to fine woman over fatal accident

To fine a woman who was found guilty of having her car parked dangerously on a road where a fatal accident occurred would be obscene, a judge said yesterday, as it might be seen to put a value on the life of a man who died in the incident.

After less than 45 minutes, a jury at Limerick Circuit Court yesterday found Mary Meade, aged 70, of Lissard, Galbally, Co Limerick, guilty of dangerously parking her car at Ballyfruta, Ballylanders, on Nov 26, 2010.

The jury found Mrs Meade not guilty of a second, more serious charge of reckless endangerment — that she created a substantial risk of causing serious injury or death.