A Co Clare farmer has been acquitted of dangerous driving causing the death of a German tourist on a pedestrian crossing adjacent to Bunratty Castle.
John Boyce (57), Moyhill, Cratloe, Co Clare, was, however, found guilty by a jury at Ennis Circuit Court of careless driving.
The three-day trial heard Mr Boyce was driving a 1980- registered Massey Ferguson tractor at the time of the crash, which killed Inge Schmidt (76) at Low Road, Bunratty, on October 29th, 2010.
In his closing speech yesterday, Lorcan Connolly, for Mr Boyce, said: “This is not a case of Mr Boyce trying to pull a rabbit out of the hat on the day of the court case. He has been consistent on this – Mr Boyce did not see the woman.” He said that alcohol and speed were not factors in the case.
Public service vehicle inspector Maurice Nolan said a front- loader attached to Mr Boyce’s tractor and the windscreen wiper were not working, which would have obstructed Mr Boyce’s view right and left.
Judge Gerald Keyes adjourned sentencing to next Tuesday.
