A GP, on trial for dangerous driving causing death, claims she suffered an acute attack of vertigo while driving to work and could not remember hitting a pedestrian and then driving 2.2km away from the scene.
Dr Devi Chalikonda (50), The Ashes, Cnoc an Glas, Spiddal, denies a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Eileen O’Halloran (67), at Cregboy, Claregalway, on August 28th, 2007.
Martin Giblin SC, defending, said his client suffered an acute attack of vertigo for the first time that morning and she had complained of dizziness, nausea and disorientation when examined afterwards.
He said her symptoms were so severe she had vomited several times down her clothes as she sat in her vehicle and women who had come to her aid in Claregalway (2.2 km away from where Mrs O’Halloran’s body was located) said she appeared to be suffering from shock. One woman thought she might have suffered a stroke. She was speaking “gibberish” according to one eye-witness while two gardaí who arrived believed she might be drunk.
Mr Giblin said a urine sample proved negative for alcohol but he said his client had displayed the classic symptoms of someone suffering an acute attack of vestibular neuritis or vertigo.
Prosecuting State barrister Conor Fahy said Mrs O’Halloran was walking well in on the hard shoulder near the grass verge when she was hit from behind that morning. She was killed instantly, having suffered a broken neck, back and numerous fractures.
Dr Chalikonda’s 4x4 was extensively damaged on the front passenger’s side. A Volvo grille and other Volvo debris were found strewn on the hard shoulder.
The third day of Dr Chalikonda’s trial heard evidence yesterday from Garda Paul Fitzpatrick that he arrested and charged Dr Chalikonda when she arrived at Galway Garda station on November 19th, 2007.
Dr Chalikonda said she could not remember anything after passing Kenny’s garage on the Tuam Road. She remembered feeling dizzy and light-headed.
When asked if she remembered hitting a pedestrian, she replied: “I was not aware of any impact while I was driving.” When asked did she accept that her 4x4 Volvo jeep was involved in a collision with a pedestrian and that debris from her vehicle was found at the scene and that her vehicle was damaged, Dr Chalikonda replied “No”.
Defence witness, ear, nose and throat specialist Rory Walsh, from Beaumont Hospital, gave evidence that while patients suffering from vestibular neuritis might suffer severe symptoms before its onset, such as dizziness and nausea, they would have time to pull over.
Mr Walsh agreed with Mr Fahy that memory loss was not a symptom of vertigo and he agreed that Dr Chalikonda had told him she had no recollection of the incident. The trial continues today.