Motorist jailed for six months over hit-and-run

A woman walking on the right side of the road in Cobh a year ago was struck by a motorist who drove away from the scene.

The man later gave himself up and admitted dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm and to charges related to driving away.

Neil Brown, of Rushbrook Links, Cobh, Co Cork, was sentenced to 18 months, with the last year suspended, at Cork Circuit Criminal Cork yesterday.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin sentenced him for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Patricia Hughes at Ballynoe Hill, Cobh, on November 3, 2013, and for the two counts which the judge called hit-and-run offences.

Ms Hughes said through Garda Martin O’Brien yesterday that Brown met with her and expressed great remorse for what he did on the night and she accepted he was remorseful.

However, Judge Ó Donnabháin said: “I cannot deal with this in a non-custodial manner. It is wrong and unacceptable not to remain at the scene when someone is injured. That is extremely serious and merits a custodial sentence.”

Garda O’Brien said Brown, who was never in trouble before or since, had consumed a large amount of alcohol on the night.