Drunk driver who killed man in Limerick collision gets his licence back

THERE were emotional scenes in Limerick Circuit Court as a man who received a driving ban for 20 years for dangerous driving causing death applied to have his licence restored.

Jason Gormley, now aged in his early 50s, was jailed for three years and banned from driving for 20 years in 2010 after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Aidan Lawless, aged 52, of Rathronan, Clonmel, on October 4, 2009, at Ballysimon,

The application to renew the driving licence of Mr Gormley - now with an address at Woodhaven, Kilrush Road, Ennis and previously with an address at Rathlinn, Castleconnell at the time of the case in 2010 - was objected to by Inspector Gearoid Thompson, on behalf of the State.

John O’Sullivan, prosecuting barrister, said it was a “sensitive situation”.

“This was a case of dangerous driving causing death. Gardai received a statement from Mr Lawless’s wife Cathleen but I am not going to put it before you. It is a second victim impact statement,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

The barrister said Mr Lawless was returning home after dropping his daughter Rachel, who was present in court, to college in Limerick in 2009.

“The accused was intoxicated at the time and left the scene. He was disqualified for 20 years. This application (to have Mr Gormley’s driving licence) restored is premature. It is at the discretion of the court,” said Mr O’Sullivan, who spoke of the “lack of remorse” by Mr Gormley and the family’s view it was too early for him to be restored to driving.

Ted McCarthy, solicitor for Mr Gormley, said it may be “universally cathartic” to hear Mr Gormley speak that “not a day passes that it doesn’t weigh on him”.

The applicant took the stand and said it was “never my intention to hurt anyone”.

“I live with it every day of my life. I’m so sorry,” said Mr Gormley, who was in tears in the witness box.

He said he was told after the fatal collision in 2009 that the Lawless’ had a family liaison officer and “I should not communicate directly”.

“I can only apologise from the bottom of my heart,” said Mr Gormley.

He said he refused early release from his three-year prison sentence.

Answering questions from his solicitor, Mr Gormley said he runs a business in Ennis which supplies mobile phones. He said he has “lost business” due to his inability to drive.

Addressing the daughter of Mr Lawless from the witness box, Mr Gormley said he “never meant to hurt your dad”.

“If you ever want to talk to me... you probably hate me. There are no words but I am deeply sorry. I hope you will forgive me some day,” said Mr Gormley.

Mr McCarthy asked Mr Gormley if he wasn’t told not to contact the family would he have done so? “Yes,” said Mr Gormley.

Mr O’Sullivan, barrister for the State, asked Mr Gormley if he was drunk on the date of the fatal collision. “Yes,” said Mr Gormley.

Judge O’Donnell said it was his understanding that two thirds of the 20 year driving ban has been served. Insp Thompson said two thirds of the driving disqualification would be complete on January 28, 2024.

Judge O’Donnell said it was an “awful tragedy that is still palpable”.

The judge said Mr Gormley had no convictions before or after the fatal collision.

“His apology strikes me as pretty genuine. I have to make a judgment call -restore form January 1, 2024. I have to make a decision based on the evidence before me,” said Judge O’Donnell.