Man found guilty in dangerous driving case

The jury in the trial of a man charged with dangerous driving causing the death of a young Limerick woman, has returned a verdict of guilty.25 year old Gearoid Cleary had denied the charge which arises from traffic accident which happened on the 9th of September 2006, resulting in the death of 19 year old Emma Woodland.

The young student from St. Patrick’s Road was killed just around the corner from her home in a three car pile up on the Ballysimon Road. She was the backseat passenger in a vehicle when it was struck by a car driven by Mr. Cleary.

Defence Counsel, Anthony Salmon, sympathised with the family of Emma Woodland who have been forced to hear evidence of the last moments of the 19 year old’s life, but he said his client, Gearoid Cleary, is not responsible for her death.He asked the jury to be rational and careful with their emotions.Mr Salmon said his client’s Honda Integra car had been rammed from behind by a BMW, slamming it into the Starlet in which Emma was a passenger.

He added that the BMW’s driver, Roman Andreas, who was driving too fast, was also twice over the legal alcohol limit and has already pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death.Counsel for the prosecution, John O`Sullivan, pointed out that after the collision with the Starlet the Honda continued on for some 40 feet before colliding with a wall, and that this he said is indicative of the high speed the defendant must have been travelling.
Via Live 95FM

The driver of another car involved in the crash, 23 year old Roman Andreas, has already pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of the young woman.Both defendants are to appear in court for sentencing on July 25th.