Notorious pedestrian crossing in Mayo town was scene of serious accident
Judge Eoin Garavan imposed a suspended jail term.
A man’s car struck and caused serious injury to an elderly woman at a problematic pedestrian crossing.
Oliver Doyle, aged 81, of Drumbaun, Ballyhaunis, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious injury, before Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.
The injured party Anne O’Dwyer, who was 72 at the time, was crossing the road at Bridge Street, Ballyhaunis at 6.25pm on November 30, 2023 when she was struck by the Doyle’s vehicle. Ms O’Dwyer has since passed away but her death was not connected to the collision, the court heard.
Ms O’Dwyer had met her friend Pauline Nolan on the street and they were walking towards The Gem store. They proceeded across the pedestrian crossing when Mrs Nolan saw that an oncoming car was not stopping. She was closest to the car and managed to jump back out of the way. However, Ms O’Dwyer was unable to do so, and the car collided with her causing a serious leg injury.
Doyle who has no previous convictions co-operated fully with Gardai. He was driving slowly when the accident occurred and there were no defects in his vehicle.
The court heard there has been numerous complains about the pedestrian crossing where the collision occurred which has been the site of several near misses. There are plans to remodel the crossing.
Barrister Dr Laura Byrne, representing Doyle said his client did not see the women as they crossed the road. She said he was looking at the shop in case anyone came out onto the pedestrian crossing.
Dr Byne said her client was distraught at the scene and had a letter of apology in court for the O’Dwyer family.
Originally from Rosslare, Doyle worked for CIE since completing his Leaving Cert and rose to the position of Deputy Chief Executive before his retirement. He moved to Mayo as his father had previously been a station manager in Claremorris.
Judge Eoin Garavan said it was clear that the defendant did not see Ms O’Dwyer and took his eyes off the road.
“A car is a deadly weapon even at the slow and cautious speed Mr Doyle was at,” the Judge stated.
Judge Garavan imposed a five-month suspended prison sentence and disqualified Doyle from driving for six months.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
