A doctor has been found guilty of dangerous driving causing the death of an 18-year-old man at Trim Circuit Criminal Court.
Dr Al Moroney (62), Baltreasna, Ashbourne, Co Meath, had denied the charge and was prosecuted after a road traffic accident at Harlockstown, on March 24th, 2001, just 250 yards from his home.
The court was told his car went out of control and into the path of a car carrying Mr Hugh Gallagher, the deceased, who lived in Broadmeadow Green, Ashbourne. He was studying at DIT, Kevin Street, and was driving with a friend, fellow student Mr Barry McLoughlin.
Mr Michael O'Higgins SC, defending, argued that the car had gone out of control because of a sudden deflation of pressure in a rear tyre. However, Garda Sgt Seamus Walsh said he did not accept that could happen without another factor such as speed being involved. After the accident, Dr Moroney was arrested for an alleged drink-driving offence but after legal argument the jury was directed to return a not guilty verdict. He will be sentenced at the next sitting of Trim Circuit Court.