Student, 24, charged in Limerick over head-on collision one year ago

A COLLEGE student has been charged with road traffic offences relating to a serious road collision in west Limerick almost a year ago.

Norma Kiely, 24, of Coolaboy, Dromcollogher, appeared before Newcastle West Court on Tuesday having been charged with dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to the driver of another vehicle.

The charge, under the provisions of Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act, relates to a head-on collision which occurred at Clonmore, Dromcollogher, on April 11, 2018.

The two-car collision occurred shortly after 4.30pm on the R522 regional road between Dromcollogher and Feohanagh .

While no details relating to the crash were disclosed during Tuesday’s brief court hearing, it was previously reported that the driver of the second car – a man in his 30s – was air-lifted to hospital following the collision as he sustained serious injuries.

After evidence of arrest, charge and caution was given to the court, Inspector Andrew Lacey said the a file had been prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions by investigating gardai.

He said directions had been received that the case could proceed summarily in the district court –  only if Ms Kiely pleads guilty to the single charge.

If the defendant wishes to contest the charge, a book of evidence will be prepared and the case will proceed on indictment at the circuit court. 

Solicitor Enda O’Connor said his client is in third-level education and hopes to become a teacher.

He requested an adjournment of the case to allow gardai to disclose the proposed evidence to him for consideration.

The was no indication as to Ms Kiely’s attitiude towards the charge.

When asked by Judge Mary Larkin, Insp Lacey said a medical report was not yet available to gardai but would be shortly.

The judge said she would reserve her position regarding jurisdiction and she requested that the medical report be made available to the court as soon as possible.

The matter was adjourned to May 28, next to allow for the outstanding issues to be resolved. The defendant, who was previously released on station bail, was remanded on the same terms. The maximum penalty in the district court is six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine.