Taxi driver admits his was first car to strike cyclist

A taxi driver told the garda investigating the death of a cyclist near Killarney, Co Kerry, he had not been in collision with the 19-year-old — and another car which was travelling behind him was the car which had struck the cyclist.

Rabiul Alam, aged 38, of Countess Grove, Killarney, Co Kerry, has admitted perverting the course of justice on August 26, 2011, at Knoggogue, Aghadoe, Killarney.

Gardaí had forensically examined the matter and no prosecution regarding the collision arose, the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee has been told. Mr Alam had been travelling in his taxi on the Dingle-Killarney road on August 26 about 9pm, his sentencing hearing was told.

Shane Courtney, of Faha, Killarney, an engineering student, had gone for a cycle, and to the best of garda knowledge intended turning right at a junction from the minor Aghadoe road onto the main Dingle road when he collided with Mr Alam’s car which was travelling east towards Killarney, Tom Rice, prosecuting, outlined.

A second car driven by a woman immediately came in contact with the unfortunate cyclist , the court was told.

Judge Thomas E O’Donnell said he wanted to express his condolences to the Courtney family. It was a very serious matter. He did not want to rush to judgement and he was adjourning the matter to June 16. He remanded Mr Alam on bail.