Fatal crash had 'profound' impact on defendant, 70
The defendant pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.
A Mayo farmer has received a suspended prison sentence after his careless driving caused the death of a woman.
Martin Cullina, aged 70, of Kilmacnella, Irishtown, appeared before Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of 58-year old Andrea Gornowicz on the N17 at Castlemacgarrett, Claremorris, on May 16, 2024.
Ms Gornowicz, who was originally from Germany, had been living in Ireland for many years and worked in Tesco in Claremorris.
Sgt Paul Connolly told the court that the three-vehicle accident occurred at 11.50am. The Toyota Yaris driven by the deceased was stationary at a junction and intended to turn right towards Ballindine. Mr Cullina’s Hyundai Matrix was travelling behind and he failed to see the brake lights and indicator of the Yaris. A witness driving behind Mr Cullina confirmed to Gardaí that the lights and indicator of the Yaris were on.
The defendant drove into the back of the Yaris, pushing it onto the road. The shunt caused the car to spin 180 degrees and into the path of an oncoming Renault Trafic van. Ms Gornowicz was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Cullina made full admissions to Gardaí and there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol. He has no previous convictions.
In a victim impact statement, a friend of the deceased described Ms Gornowicz as a kind and popular lady whose loss is keenly felt by the community in Castlemacgarrett and Claremorris.
Judge Eoin Garavan commented that this is not the first time an accident at this location has come before the court.
Sgt Connolly said he can’t explain the high number of accidents on the road, noting there were a number of fatalities there in 2024.
Barrister Patrick Murphy, representing Mr Cullina, said the location is an accident blackspot. His client is full of remorse and accepts responsibility for his actions. Mr Cullina is a modest farmer who lives alone and the fatal accident has had a “profound” impact on his life. He was returning home from a fast-food restaurant when the crash occurred.
In response to a query from Judge Garavan, Mr Murphy said his client had not completed an eye exam in adulthood.
Describing the incident as a “terrible tragedy”, Judge Garavan noted the “entire absence of aggravating factors” and imposed a seven-month suspended prison sentence. He chose not to impose a driving ban and ordered Mr Cullina to undertake a Pro Social Driving Course and eye exam.
- Published as part of the Court Reporting Scheme.
