A 29-year-old man who grabbed the steering wheel in a car resulting in the deaths of three people was sentenced to 15 years in prison yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
Michael O'Shea, of Connolly Avenue, Mallow, Co Cork, had previously pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Mr John Mullane (26), Ms Jacinta Magner (19) and Mr John Madden (20) in a two vehicle smash.
O'Shea was a front seat passenger in a car travelling to Mallow, Co Cork, on the evening of July 30th, 1999.
The defendant and his workmates had stopped off for a drink in a local pub.
Garda Sheila White told the court that when the group resumed its journey on the main Cork-Limerick road the defendant started behaving erratically.
O'Shea grabbed the steering wheel of the car near Rathduff, Co Cork, forcing Mr John Madden, who was driving a van, to swerve to the right to avoid them.
This resulted in the van colliding with an oncoming car driven by Mr Mullane.
O'Shea did not stop to assist the victims and was arrested the following morning.
Evidence from the families of the deceased was heard with Ms Linda Madden, mother of John, speaking of the devastation caused by the loss of three young lives.
The defendant told the court he was sorry for the pain and suffering he had caused the families of the victims.
A consultant psychiatrist, Dr David Dunne, said the defendant was mildly mentally handicapped and quite immature.
He recommended counselling for O'Shea. whom he described as being "profoundly sorry" for his actions. Counsel for the defence, Mr Pat McCarthy, said his client was reconciled to serving a significant period in custody.
On sentencing Judge Patrick Moran said O'Shea had shown a total disregard for the safety of road users.