A 24-year-old Co Clare man who sped off after knocking down two pedestrians, killing one, escaped a jail term at Ennis Circuit Court today.
Alan Duggan of Gortadroma, O'Callaghan's Mills, pleaded guilty to the dangerous driving causing the death of Joseph O'Connell (27) Main Street, Broadford, Co Clare, on St Patrick's Day in Ennis last year.
Judge Moran said he would sentence Duggan to three years in jail, but suspended the sentence for 10 years. He also banned Duggan from driving for ten years.
Judge Carroll Moran told the court the case had none of the aggravating factors such as excessive drink or excessive speed associated with other fatal dangerous-driving cases.
The judge said the main evidence against Mr Duggan is that witnesses heard his car revving up and taking off at speed before he struck the two men 100 metres away on Ennis's Francis Street at 3.15 a.m. on March 17th last.
The judge said that although Duggan added to his difficulties by not staying at the scene, there was a real possibility that if he pleaded not guilty to the charge, he would have been acquitted.
Duggan was a man of good character and has no previous convictions, he added.
The court heard the second man knocked down by Duggan is still recovering from his injuries sustained in the incident.