Motorist admits dangerous driving causing death of workmate in Louth head-on crash
A 29-year-old motorist has pleaded guilty to charges following a fatal head-on collision which claimed the life of his colleague, and left a woman who was behind the wheel of the other car with life-changing injuries.
Adam Doherty, Foxhill, Derry City, who has no previous convictions, admitted dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing serious harm. He will be sentenced at a later date.
The crash occurred at 4.50am on July 22, 2022, close to Ardee in Co. Louth when the defendant was driving a Vauxhall Grandland.
The deceased, Aaron Deery (27) was a front seat passenger, and Cian Kennedy (26) was asleep in the back seat. All three men were returning from Intel in Leixlip. They had started a 6pm shift and left at 4am, an hour earlier than usual.
A then student at DkIT was also coming home from work in a Volkswagen Polo when she was confronted by the other vehicle on her side of the N23, 5km east of Ardee.
Dundalk Circuit Court heard that the Grandland had turned off the M1 Northbound and had travelled 2kms on a road governed by a 100kmh speed limit when it went onto the opposite lane.
Sgt Evan Connolly said the other driver (24) only remembered seeing lights coming towards her.
After the impact, Mr Kennedy woke up and saw Aaron Deery slumped over the seat. There was a gurgling sound coming from the accused who fell out of the car.
The first person on the scene saw the Polo on the left lane and the other vehicle “planted” in the hedge.
He rang the emergency services at 4.55am.
He saw Adam Doherty get out and stumble. He told him to lie down. The woman was screaming in pain.
The next man to arrive blocked the road with his vehicle to prevent a further collision. He went to Mr Kennedy in the back seat who informed him that he couldn’t move.
A third person on the scene was asked by Adam Doherty to check on his friend Aaron Deery. This man could find no pulse.
Sgt Connolly continued that Adam Doherty passed a roadside breath test. All the survivors were taken to hospital.
A doctor pronounced Mr Deery dead at the scene at 6.55am.
In a statement made to Gardaí, Adam Doherty said that he decided to overtake a car in front. He pulled out and saw another car coming towards him.
"I couldn’t avoid it. It was an accident,” he continued.
The Garda investigation found that neither vehicle was dangerously defective before the collision. Seat belts were worn by everyone except for Mr Kennedy who was in the back of the Grandland.
It is estimated that Mr Doherty’s car was travelling between 121 and 128kmh at the beginning of tyre marks and between 105 and 109kmh on impact.
Conditions were good, a report continued, and if there had been overtaking of a vehicle, this vehicle was not identified.
Among the injuries suffered by the female motorist were two bleeds on the brain, a fractured skull, fractured neck vertebrae and a fractured jaw. She had to be resuscitated in hospital.
The victim was in the 3rd year of a Sports & Science course and managed to complete the Degree.
The court heard that the young lady continues to endure complex surgical procedures and psychological difficulties.
She was present for the sentence, as were members of Aaron Deery’s family.
His mother Maureen's victim impact statement was read out by prosecuting counsel Miska Hanahoe.
Mrs Deery, a mental health support worker, said she was not the same person since. It was unimaginable to lose a child. She loved Aaron dearly.
She suffered from PTSD, anxiety and depression and significant weight loss. Her family was constantly worrying about her wellbeing.
Mrs Deery continued that she was several months off work which impacted her finances.
Judge Dara Hayes extended to her his deepest condolences and sympathy. He was sorry that she had to be present in the circumstances.
The young woman’s statement was also read to the court.
She said that her life changed forever and detailed continuing chronic pain and 4 years of hospital appointments.
Her life had revolved around football and the gym. They had all been taken away.
Her whole personality changed, she was no longer happy and outgoing, suffered panic attacks and night terrors and found it difficult to socialise.
"It has broken me. I’m unable to use my Degree.”
Judge Hayes thanked her for attending. He was sorry that she had to be present and that she was so badly injured.
Counsel said that Adam Doherty instructed to extend his heartfelt apology. He deeply regretted what happened every day.
Judge Hayes remanded the defendant on continuing bail to May 7 for a psychological report to be prepared.
Legal aid was extended for an engineer’s report.