'Tragic case': Guilty plea over pedestrian’s hit-and-run death in Limerick

A MAN has pleaded guilty to the death of a pedestrian in a hit-and-run in Limerick city last November, which his barrister said is a “tragic case”.

Danny Connors, aged 30, of Clondrinagh Halting Site, Ennis Road, Limerick city was arraigned before Judge Colin Daly at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

Mr Connors said “guilty” after the court registrar put each of the seven charges to him.

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Mr Connors will face sentence for dangerous driving causing the death of James Forde (pictured below), of Shannamore Park, Clareview on the Ennis Road, Limerick city shortly before 2pm on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

He is also charged with two dangerous driving counts, driving without insurance or a driving licence. Mr Connors also pleaded guilty to two hit-and-run offences - failing to offer assistance and failing to keep a motor vehicle at or near the scene.

Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, said the late Mr Forde was the eldest of a family of ten. A number of his family were in court and present via video-link. The investigating garda - Dermot Hallett - was also in attendance.

Mark Nicholas SC, who represented Mr Connors during the brief procedural matter, said it was a “tragic case”.

“It is a very early plea. We will be hearing the full evidence in due course but remorse was expressed in the interviews with gardai and that continued today.

"The family are gathered today and they are entitled to know that remorse was expressed again today,” said Mr Nicholas, who applied for legal aid to be extended for a psychological report  to be prepared on his client. This was granted.

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Judge Daly remanded Mr Connors in continuing custody. He has been in prison since November 28 - two days after Mr Forde was killed.

Judge Daly asked for a sentence date and time for the case to be heard “exclusively”. A sentencing date of November 10 was fixed.

Last month, Mr Connors applied for 24-hour compassionate bail  to attend his daughter’s First Holy Communion. The application was refused.