Limerick man pleads guilty over death of motorcyclist

A MAN pleaded guilty this Monday morning to dangerous driving causing the death of a motorcyclist in county Limerick five years ago.

Daniel Phillips, aged 35, of Crecora Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick city was arraigned before Judge Sinéad McMullan prior to the normal starting time of Limerick Criminal Circuit Court. There was a large garda presence in and around Limerick Courthouse including members of the Regional Armed Support Unit.

Mr Phillips pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Maurice Fehilly, aged 54, of Seskin, Kilsheelan and formerly Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Mr Fehilly (pictured below) was on a motorcycle at the time of the collision on the N24, Drombane, Dromkeen, county Limerick on January 4, 2020.

Mr Phillips also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Thomas Traynor on the same date and location.

The State was represented by Patrick Gageby SC, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill. Mr Gageby asked for a date next week for sentencing.

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Mr Phillips was represented by Mark Nicholas SC, appearing with Antoinette Simon BL. Mr Nicholas asked for legal aid to extend to an updated GP report.

Mr Nicholas said his client had suffered a very significant head injury about 15 years ago. Mr Phillips was shot in the head and chest at John’s Square in Limerick city centre while he was sitting in a car in 2010.

Judge McMullan granted legal aid for the GP report. The judge put sentencing back to Friday, March 7.

“I’m unlikely to finalise matters on that date, just to flag with people,” said Judge McMullan.

Mr Phillips was remanded on continuing bail.