A US soldier accused of killing a young Irish dancer in a car crash was so drunk he did not know how he ended up miles from downtown Pittsburgh, a US court has heard.
Army National Guard Pte Joseph Livoti (25) was committed for trial yesterday on charges of homicide by vehicle, homicide while driving drunk, and involuntary manslaughter over the death of Margaret Brohan.
Ms Brohan (19) from Ennis, Co Clare, was a member of the Rhythm Of The Dance company, which was in Pittsburgh for performances last month.
Mr Livoti, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, had a blood alcohol level of 0.198 when a Toyota pick-up truck he was driving struck a Volkswagen Jetta in which Ms Brohan was a passenger on November 12th, according to police. The court was told he had drunk half a dozen beers. Pennsylvania's legal drink-drive limit is 0.08.
Paramedic Carin Fullum told the Pittsburgh court that Mr Livoti showed concern for the victim despite suffering from a head wound. He was distraught and cried on the way to the hospital, she said.
Mr Livoti's lawyer, Mr Greg Schwab, suggested the accident could have been caused by the driver of the Jetta, who was also legally drunk. Mr Schwab said Mr Livoti would return to his home while he remained free on bail.
AP