Drunk motorist who caused ‘catastrophic injuries’ to garda inspector is jailed

A DRUNK female motorist has received a seven year prison sentence with the final two years suspended for causing “catastrophic injuries" to a garda inspector who had his foot amputated while cycling.

Niamh McDonnell, aged 30, of Gortskagh, Castlemahon, County Limerick had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm, drink driving, drug driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

The matter was before Judge Tom O’Donnell this Friday afternoon for judgement after evidence was given at a sentencing hearing earlier this month.

At that court sitting, it was heard that Inspector Niall Flood (pictured below) was knocked down by Ms McDonnell who then failed to remain at the scene.

In a victim impact statement, Insp Flood said the accused’s actions were “unforgivable and incomprehensible”.

The offences occurred at Clonmore, Dromcollogher in west Limerick on June 30, 2022.

This Friday afternoon, Judge O’Donnell summarised the evidence which had been given by Detective Sergeant Michael Reidy in the case which was prosecuted by Lily Buckley BL, instructed by Kerry State Solicitor Diane Reidy.

The judge said Insp Flood was struck from behind while cycling, by a vehicle driven by Ms McDonnell.

“He was thrown in the air and landed in two feet of water. She did not brake or stop. It was immediately clear he had suffered serious injuries. He was airlifted to Cork University Hospital such was the severity of his injuries. His right foot had been severed above the ankle and in fact was missing,” said Judge O’Donnell,

The judge commended civilians who stopped and gave assistance to Insp Flood.

“But for their intervention there would have been fatal consequences,” said Judge O’Donnell.

The judge said Insp Flood’s foot was discovered by Ms McDonnel’s partner in the car when she returned home later in the day.

“It was wedged in the space adjacent to the headlamp,” said Judge O’Donnell. The judge said earlier that afternoon Ms McDonnell had consumed five Vodka Red Bulls and five shots and smoked a cannabis joint before work that morning.

Judge O’Donnell spoke of the bravery and courage of Insp Flood following his life-changing injuries caused by the actions of the accused.

“It is abundantly clear he has suffered catastrophic life-changing injuries that he will not recover from and is facing challenges regarding quality of life in the future. I am aware he is determined to return to An Garda Siochana.

“He spent three months in hospital in Cork (University Hospital), two months in St Ita’s (Hospital) in Newcastle West, is still receiving ongoing medical care, is very prone to lung infections and has ongoing issues with his prosthesis,” said Judge O’Donnell, who acknowledged the bravery and fortitude of Insp Flood’s wife, Margaret, who read out a victim impact statement at the last court date.

Chief Superintendent of the Limerick Garda Division, Derek Smart was among those in court in support of the Flood family.

Judge O’Donnell said the aggravating factors in determining the sentence were that Ms McDonnell was two-and-a-half times over the drink driving limit, had taken drugs, the speed and erratic driving, failing to stop, failing to render assistance and the serious, catastrophic and life-changing injuries.

The mitigating factors were the admissions made “albeit slowly”, her plea of guilty and the fact that she is the mother of two young children. Her difficult upbringing and her low risk of reoffending were also considered.

“She made a decision to get behind the wheel of a car despite being seriously intoxicated. It is a very, very serious case with very, very serious consequences to Insp Flood and his family. He suffered catastrophic and life-changing injuries,” said Judge O’Donnell.

The judge handed down a seven-year prison sentence with the final two years suspended. He disqualified Ms McDonnell from driving for 10 years in relation to the dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm.

Six month sentences, to be served concurrently, were imposed for drink and drug driving.

All other matters were taken into consideration.