‘Momentary lapse in concentration with catastrophic consequences’ - Cyclist killed by motorist distracted by children in backseat

A cyclist who did everything right was killed by a motorist who turned around momentarily to tell one of her children to remove a tag from a toy they had just bought.

Sergeant Pat Lyons who investigated the case described it at a momentary lapse in concentration which had catastrophic consequences.

Maria Harkin, 38, of 92 Weston View, Carrigaline, Co Cork, got a one-year suspended jail term and was banned from driving for five years by Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.