Lorry driver remorseful for causing death of teen

A Belfast lorry driver whose driving caused the death of a 13-year-old boy said in court today, “I wish it was me.”

A two-year suspended jail sentence was imposed on David Patterson, 39, of 142 Kilcoole Park, Belfast, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court as he pleaded guilty to the charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Adam Connolly.

He was a front seat passenger in his mother’s car as she waited for the opportunity to turn right at Farran Cross, between Ballincollig and Macroom, when Mr Patterson drove his articulated truck into the back of the car at 50 miles per hour causing Adam’s instantaneous death.

Referring to accident statistics, Adam’s father, Tom Connolly, said Adam’s death on April 7 was the 101st death on Irish roads this year and the figures climbed to 295 by the end of September.

“Each single death exacts a terrible toll on families. I would appeal to all road users to be vigilant and obey the rules and respect other road users. If one person drives more carefully it will be one good thing to come out of this,” Mr Connolly said.

The deceased’s father said he wanted to speak in court so that the feelings of the family could be known and so that Adam would have a voice in the proceedings.

He was described as being the light of his family’s life with a ready laugh and a love of life.

“We feel this accident was avoidable and Adam should not have died on the roadside. Our family feels strongly that Mr Patterson was responsible for Adam’s death. Some feel a custodial sentence is warranted, others feel that it should be left to the court to decide,” Mr Connolly said.

Turning directly to Patterson in courtroom two of the courthouse on Camden Quay this afternoon, Mr Connolly said: “We appreciate you pleading guilty.”

He also said that Patterson had approached a number of members of the family since the accident to express his sorrow for what happened.

Patterson was a truck driver for almost ten years but was only driving articulated lorries for a year prior to the accident. He has not driven since and he is now banned from driving for ten years.

Cleary upset as he gave evidence today, Patterson said: “I apologise to the Connolly family. I really am sorry about the accident. I wish it had never happened. It has and I wish it was me.”

Garda Ciaran McCrory who investigated the case said that very bright sunshine was in the eyes of traffic travelling west, as both vehicles were at the time.

He said the defendant was travelling at 51 miles per hour where the speed limit was 50.

Prior to the accident other motorists observing the Volvo lorry stated that it was not driving at excessive speed.

The deceased is survived by his parents, one sister and two brothers.