Corkman pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death

A motorist who crashed into a cyclist in West Cork killing him was banned from driving for eight years and given a two-year suspended jail sentence today.

Judge Patrick J Moran imposed that penalty on David Sweeney (aged 34) of The Avenue, Gleann Na Rí, Tower, Blarney, Co Cork, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court after he pleaded guilty to the charge of dangerous driving causing the death of John Quinlan (aged 30) late of Coolroe Meadows, Ballincollig, Co Cork.

Judge Moran said the evidence from the French tourist would have differed from that of the defendant had the matter gone to trial.

The defendant’s statement was that the cyclist veered across his path but the tourist’s evidence was that it was Sweeney who veered on to the hard shoulder.

“Why you veered off I do not know. I accept there was a line of traffic. You were not travelling fast,” the judge said.

Ann O’Callaghan, who was the partner of the deceased for nine years, said her regret was that she never got to marry John Quinlan.

“I want to express my horror and disappointment that I have never been apologised to by Mr Sweeney,” Ms O’Callaghan said. “Any apology now would not only be insulting but very hurtful.

“When we leave here today, John Quinlan, the victim of this nightmare is gone forever. Nothing I can ever say will express the true impact of this Mr Quinlan’s parents did not wish to address the court.”

Tom Creed senior counsel said that as soon as the defendant was approached by Garda Keane he admitted colliding with the cyclist.

Mr Creed also said: “He did not leave the scene of the accident as interpreted by the law. If he did, certain charges could be brought against him and they were not. They were not even considered being brought against him.”