Cork truck driver who crashed into couple's car causing serious injuries avoids jail

Injured parties said they could see the driver of the lorry looking in the direction of his passenger rather than at the road just before the collision, court heard

Judge said the interests of society would not be served by sending accused to prison. He imposed a 15-month suspended sentence and a three-year driving disqualification. Picture: Larry Cummins 

A woman who suffered serious injuries when an articulated lorry crashed into the car she was travelling in with her then fiancée said in court: “Our car was not the only thing that was crushed that day, our lives were crushed.” 

The truck driver, Antony Malone of Halldene Estate, Curraheen Road, Bishopstown, Cork, pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of careless driving causing serious harm to the couple on August 3, 2021, at Lackanashinagh, Enniskeane, County Cork.

Garda Michael Cadogan, who investigated the crash, said there was heavy rain on the day, making for difficult driving conditions.

The injured parties said they could see the driver of the lorry looking in the direction of his passenger during a conversation rather than at the road just before the collision, which left them seriously injured.

Judge James McCourt said such cases were very difficult cases to consider. He found the victim impact statements by the injured man and woman to be articulate, eloquent and particularly moving.

But he asked what sentence would best serve the interest of society at large?

“Mr Malone certainly acted negligently and recklessly. But he has no convictions. Mr Malone said the injured parties were in his thoughts and prayers every day. Nothing can be done to put you all back to the way you were before this unfortunate accident happened more than two years ago.

“They sustained bad injuries — this heretofore happy couple who are now on the brink of separation — their hopes and dreams shattered and they cannot be put together again,” the judge said.

Judge McCourt concluded by saying the interests of society would not be served by sending Mr Malone to prison. He imposed a 15-month suspended sentence and a three-year driving disqualification.

Defence senior counsel Jane Hyland said the 52-year-old truck driver said as soon as he was interviewed that his thoughts and prayers were with the injured parties.