Driver charged over Limerick man's death said he is 'heartbroken' and 'feels like a murderer'

A MAN who has appeared in court charged with dangerous driving causing the death of a pedestrian in Limerick city on Tuesday afternoon told gardai he was "heartbroken" and “I feel like a murderer to be honest”.

Danny Connors, aged 30, of Clondrinagh Halting Site, Ennis Road, Limerick city was crouched over with his head in his hands for the majority of a bail application in Limerick District Court this Thursday. 

Garda Dermot Hallett gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution to Judge John King.

Mr Connors is charged with eight offences in connection with the death of James Forde, Shannamore Park, Clareview on the Ennis Road shortly before 2pm on Tuesday, November 26.

The eight charges are - dangerous driving causing death at Farranshone More, Ennis Road, three dangerous driving counts, driving without a licence, driving without insurance and two hit and run offences pertaining to failing to offer assistance at the scene, and failing to remain at the scene with the intent of attempting to escape liability.

Garda Hallett, of Limerick Roads Policing, said Mr Connors made a number of replies to the charges.

They included, “I wish it was me instead of that poor man”; “my heart almost burst with the fright”; and “I never thought something like this would happen and I feel like a murderer to be honest”.

Other replies to the charges made by Mr Connors, the court heard, were, “Since the day I broke that law I’m doing a life sentence to be honest”; “I’m extremely sorry to the family and I never meant for it to happen” and “I have no words. I am heartbroken over what happened to that man”.

Sergeant Sean Murray, prosecuting, said a file is being prepared for the DPP and that there would be an objection to bail. Members of Mr Forde’s family were in court.

John Herbert, solicitor for Mr Connors, made a bail application on behalf of his client.

Garda Hallett objected to bail being granted under the Bail Act and O’Callaghan Rules.

“It is my strong belief that if he is granted bail he will continue to commit further serious offences to include further loss of life,” said Garda Hallett.

The garda alleged that Mr Connors would not obey bail conditions and believes he is a flight risk.

Garda Hallett alleged that Mr Connors was driving a red Ford Focus “at very high speed” on the Ennis Road on Tuesday afternoon.

“He accelerated towards a pedestrian crossing, failed to stop at a red light, collided with a pedestrian who was walking across the road and who had the right of way at the time. Visibility and weather conditions were good. He fled the scene, leaving a man with serious injuries on the road,” alleged Garda Hallett, who added that the pedestrian later died from the injuries sustained.

Mr Herbert said Mr Connors met with gardai, made full admissions and has resided in Clondrinagh Halting Site all his life where he has the benefit of family support.

He said Mr Connors doesn’t have a passport and has never travelled outside the jurisdiction.

Mr Herbert said he has no instructions to dispute the incident and asked Judge King to grant Mr Connors bail with strict conditions.

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Sgt Murray reiterated the garda objection to bail being granted, alleging Mr Connors is a flight risk, citing the strength of the evidence and the seriousness of the charges.

Judge King said it is a very serious charge and the evidence is extremely strong.

The judge refused bail and remanded Mr Connors in custody to appear in Limerick District Court via videolink on December 3.