Cork woman, 86, admits careless driving causing death of woman and seriously injuring man

Woman was carrying out parking manoeuvre and accidently put her foot on the accelerator rather than brake when accident occured, court heard

Court heard the motorist had not driven since, and had written letters to the families of the deceased and of the injured party. Picture: Dan Linehan

An 86-year-old woman appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday and affirmed signed pleas of guilty to charges, including one of careless driving causing death.

Agnes Foley, of Farran, Charleville, Co Cork, appeared at Cork Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Helen Boyle and confirmed she did not want to change the signed guilty pleas she entered at the district court previously.

Agnes Foley admitted driving without due care and attention on November 2, 2024, on Main Street, Rathgoggin, Middle Charleville, thereby causing the death of Mary Fehilly.

The 86-year-old also pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention on November 2, 2024, on Main Street, Rathgoggin, Middle Charleville, thereby causing serious bodily harm to John Collins.

Defence senior counsel Marjorie Farrelly said before this date, the defendant had driven for 60 years without incident. She said this occurred when Ms Foley was carrying out a parking manoeuvre.

“She accidentally put her foot on the accelerator instead of the brake,” Ms Farrelly said.

The senior counsel said the motorist had not driven since, and had written letters to the families of the deceased and of the injured party.

Ms Farrelly said she was not looking for any reports on the defendant and was very keen to have sentencing take place as soon as possible.

Judge Boyle said: “The first thing to say is, my condolences to the family of the deceased lady, Mary Fehilly. I know the tragic circumstances we are dealing with.” 

Prosecution barrister Imelda Kelly said victim impact statements from Mr Collins and from the family of the late Ms Fehilly are to be prepared.

The case was then adjourned for the sentencing hearing on May 19.