Best man will have to live with consequences of death of Limerick groom for a ‘lifetime’

A JUDGE said the best man in a wedding, whose careless driving caused the death of the groom on the morning of the ceremony, “will have to live with the consequences of his actions for a lifetime”.

The accused - Shane Harty, aged 21, of Tola Park, Shannon, Co Clare - received a fully suspended sentence at an emotional sentencing hearing at Limerick Criminal Circuit Court this Monday afternoon.

Shane Harty pleaded guilty last month to careless driving causing the death of Myles Harty, aged 20, of Friary Court, Askeaton (picture below with fianceé Kate Quilligan) at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

The two young men, who were cousins, were travelling to a 24-hour shop in Rathkeale in the early hours of the morning at the time of the single-vehicle collision.

Shane Harty was before Judge Colin Daly for sentencing last Monday, November 18 where the evidence was heard.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley BL, instructed by State Solicitor Brendan Gill, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Sergeant Patricia Ryan.

Ms Buckley said that “very tragically” the collision happened around 1am on the R518 between Rathkeale and Askeaton on August 21, 2021 -  the morning of Myles Harty’s wedding day.

The court heard the Skoda Octavia left the road, hit a drystone wall, travelled upside down and hit a telephone pole which “unfortunately impacted the head of Myles Harty”. The medical evidence was that Myles Harty suffered “head injuries incompatible with life” and “his death would have been rapid if not instantaneous”.

Ms Buckley said there were no alcohol or drugs in the systems of Shane Harty or Myles Harty and they were both wearing seat belts.

A forensic collision investigator could not calculate the speed the car was travelling at but the damage caused to the Skoda, the height it reached in the air, breaking the telephone pole and the distance it travelled "would suggest the vehicle was travelling at over 80kmph" which is the speed limit on that stretch of road.

When gardai put it to Shane Harty that he was speeding at the time he lost control, he replied: “No doubt”.

Shane Harty admitted to gardai that earlier in the journey he “had been showing off”.

Brian McInerney SC, instructed by solicitor Michael O’Donnell, represented Shane Harty.

Mr McInerney read out letters of apology written by Shane Harty to Myles Harty’s parents and wife-to-be Kate Quilligan.

In mitigation, counsel referred to the absence of alcohol or intoxicant, no defects in the vehicle, Shane Harty had a full licence and insurance, co-operated with gardai, has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty and is genuinely remorseful. 

Mr McInerney said the forensic collision investigator could not calculate the speed of the vehicle.

Judge Colin Daly adjourned giving his judgement until this Monday afternoon to consider his verdict.

At the outset, the judge expressed his sympathies to Myles Harty’s parents, fianceé, son, family and friends.

“Whatever we say or we do, we can’t bring Myles back. I hope that the conclusion of this sentencing hearing will bring some form of closure,” said Judge Daly.

He thanked the family for the very dignified way they have conducted themselves, and the prosecution and the defence for their sensitivity.

“The facts of this case can hardly be described as more tragic,” said Judge Daly.

The judge said the speed at which Shane Harty was driving cannot be established with certainty.  

However, he said he was satisfied that it can be established beyond reasonable doubt that speed was the most significant factor or reason for the accident happening. 

“Shane Harty was responsible for driving at speed, and therefore his culpability must be considered to be towards the upper end.

“This accident has impacted Shane Harty - he will have to live with the consequences of his actions for a lifetime,” said Judge Daly.

READ MORE: Best man admits ‘speeding’ and ‘showing off’ prior to collision that killed groom in Limerick

The judge imposed an 18-month prison sentence which he suspended for two years.

Judge Daly banned Shane Harty for driving for five years to “send a clear message to young men, in particular, of the dangers of speeding and consequences that can arise”.

Shane Harty’s driving licence was handed in to the court.

Outside the courtroom, there were emotional scenes as family members hugged one another with tears in their eyes.