Charity of ‘incredibly decent family’ praised

The charity of “an incredibly decent family” was praised as a motorist was put off the road arising out of a crash which claimed the life of their father.

At Limerick Circuit Court, Judge Carroll Moran yesterday said one’s faith in humanity is restored when one comes across the attitude of the family of Michael Doran towards motorist William McDermott.

Mr McDermott, aged 72, of Embury Close, Adare, Co Limerick, was cleared by a jury of dangerous driving causing the death of Michael Doran, aged 69, at Dooradoyle, on December 26, 2011. He was found guilty of careless driving, causing Mr Doran’s death.

After the jury returned their verdict last Friday, one of Mr Doran’s daughters embraced Mr McDermott outside the court and told him they would pray for him and told him not to be sad over what had occurred.

After yesterday’s sentencing hearing, the family, in tears, again hugged Mr McDermott in court.

Judge Moran disqualified Mr McDermott from driving for four years yesterday.

He said: “One sees this from time to time, but not very often. It is exceptional when one sees this Christian attitude and one is very reassured. Ones faith in humanity is restored and uplifted.”

John O’Sullivan, prosecuting, told the hearing that the Doran family, despite their grievous loss, were incredibly decent people who had very charitable outlook regarding the position of Mr McDermott.

Mr O’Sullivan criticised the attitude of an insurance company over the manner in which they have dealt with the Doran family.