Schoolgirl killed after being hit by an unaccompanied learner driver who was texting

Eric Dunne, 25, of Bellair, Ballycumber, Co Offaly, pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of a 14-year-old girl

The judge said he wanted a message sent out 'loud and clear' as a tribute to the dead girl that motorists should not use their mobile phone or send text messages when driving. Picture: iStock

An Offaly schoolgirl was killed last year after being hit by an unaccompanied learner driver who was sending text messages at the time.

A sitting of Tullamore Circuit Criminal Court on Friday heard phone records showed that the driver, Eric Dunne, had been using his mobile phone at the time of the fatal accident on March 20, 2020, at Erry, Clara, Co Offaly.