No mandatory ban for woman whose careless driving caused death of teen friend in 2012

After imposing a 12-month suspended sentence last year, judge had adjourned issue of ban as legal team was challenging legislation due it to being a first offence

At her sentencing hearing in October of last year, Judge Aylmer said Ms McCann had met the case in a 'cowardly fashion' by moving to the US, delaying the case by years.

The law does not require a mandatory driving ban for those convicted of careless driving causing death if it is their first offence, the Court of Appeal has decided.

The court had heard a civil appeal brought by Colleen McCann, who is originally from Newry and was given a 12-month fully suspended sentence for careless driving that caused the death of her friend, 17-year-old Ciaran McKenna in Co Monaghan 10 years ago.