87‑year‑old Cork driver receives suspended sentence after fatal accident

An 87‑year‑old woman from Charleville, Co Cork, was given an 18‑month prison term, fully suspended, after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and serious injury.

Judge Helen Boyle of the Cork Circuit Criminal Court said the sentence was “not necessary or desirable” in view of mitigating circumstances, including the defendant’s guilty plea and full cooperation with Gardaí.

On 2 November 2024, Garda Christopher Gleeson reported that the driver, Agnes Foley, was attempting to park in heavy traffic when she mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. Her car mounted the kerb and struck Mary Fehilly, 72, outside a Centra on Main Street, killing her, and seriously injured John Collins, 66, who suffered a fractured femur and other life‑changing injuries.

Victim impact statements were read from Fehilly’s daughter Siobhán and from Collins, who described the profound effect on their lives. The judge noted there were no aggravating factors and that Foley had a 60‑year driving record without incident.

Foley expressed remorse, saying “I feel so guilty. Nothing will ever erase it from my mind.” She also wrote letters of apology to both families and has cooperated fully with the investigation.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Rui Dias / Pexels.