Cobh man pleads guilty to brother's unlawful killing

A Cobh man pleaded guilty today to the unlawful killing of his brother by driving off a quayside when the deceased was a passenger in the car.

Edward (Eddie) O’Mahony of 44 Springfield Park, Cobh, County Cork, was arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded guilty to manslaughter and drunk driving arising out of the incident.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin agreed to put sentencing back until November 8 to allow time for the preparation of a probation and welfare report on his background.

O’Mahony was remanded on continuing bail until then.

Edward O’Mahony (aged 24), was first arraigned on the charge of manslaughter, the particulars of the charge being that on July 7, 2006 at the Deepwater Quay, Cobh, he unlawfully killed Patrick O’Mahony.

The defendant replied: “Guilty.”

He made the same reply to the next charge which was one of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor on the same date at Westbourne Place, Cobh, to such an extent that he was incapable of having proper control over the vehicle.

It is anticipated that the State will strike out a third charge on the same indictment, on which the accused was not arraigned.

That charge was one of engaging in conduct that created a substantial risk of death or serious injured to another person, namely that on the same date at the Deepwater Quay, Cobh, he intentionally or recklessly engaged in conduct – the driving of a car into the waters of Cork Harbour –

creating a risk of death or serious injury to Patrick O’Mahony who was a passenger in the car at the time.

Patrick (Packie) O’Mahony was 25 years old when he died.

No evidence was given in court yesterday on the background details of the case. Those facts will be given when the case comes up for sentencing in November.