Solicitors’ dispute delays Cork woman's sentencing for careless driving causing death of woman

The Judge Boyle had previously adjourned sentencing until last month

Cork Circuit Criminal Court was told that the defendant 'accidentally put her foot on the accelerator instead of the brake'. File picture: Larry Cummins

Prioritised sentencing of an 87-year-old woman on charges including one of careless driving causing the death of a woman in Charleville specially set for Tuesday could not go ahead because of the solicitors’ dispute with the minister for justice over pending free legal aid changes.

Judge Helen Boyle adjourned sentencing until October 29 at Cork Circuit Criminal Court in the case against Agnes Foley of Farran, Charleville, County Cork.

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

The 87-year-old also pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention on November 2, 2024, at Main Street, Rathgoggin, Middle Charleville, thereby causing serious bodily harm to John Collins.

Defence senior counsel, Marjorie Farrelly, said that before this incident in 2024 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.

After expressing her condolences to the family of the deceased, Judge Boyle had adjourned sentencing until last month but it was not possible to deal with sentencing so it was specially fixed for hearing on Tuesday.

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