Courts / Galway / Report

Pedestrian would have been 'clearly visible' from teleporter, farm murder trial hears

Date
2023-03-15
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Portumna
County
Galway

Summary

During the trial of Michael Scott for the 2018 murder of 76‑year‑old Ms Treacy, accident investigator John Hayes presented evidence that Ms Treacy was likely walking away from the teleporter as it approached, attempting to escape impact. Hayes argued that a pedestrian in a light‑blue cardigan would have been clearly visible through the back window, though visibility was reduced by grime. He described two distinct tracks on Ms Treacy's body, suggesting two passes by the teleporter, and reconstructed the scene with a garda standing one metre behind the vehicle. Hayes noted that the teleporter's left rear view mirror was missing and that the driver would have needed to rotate 90° to see behind while reversing, a normal action for an agricultural vehicle. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pedestrian would have been 'clearly visible' from teleporter, farm murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, Co Galway on April 27, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: " He explained that by "aggressive" he was not commenting on the driver's intent but on the "high torque" of the vehicle which allowed it to change from reverse to forward "very quickly". CNI source report

Case subjects

Michael Scott

Accused

Charges: murdering Ms Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, Co Galway on April 27, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request