Woman admits careless driving causing death

Case involving Clones fatality adjourned to October

The case against a 25-year-old woman, charged in connection with a fatal accident in Clones three years ago, has been adjourned until October.

The trial of Ceara Nolan was due to start before Monaghan Circuit Court today and a jury had been empanelled. She was denying a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of a pensioner in Clones.

Nolan of Cara Street, Clones, Co Monaghan, was facing one count, alleging that she caused the death of Elizabeth McGoldrick, on the R183 at Clonavilla, Newbliss Road, Clones on April 8, 2023.

The defendant confirmed to Judge John Aylmer at the court on Monday that she was pleading not guilty to the charge, which is taken under Section 53(1) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961.

However, today, the defence advised the court that Nolan was prepared to plead guilty to a lesser charge of careless driving causing death; and that plea was acceptable to the State prosecution.

Judge Aylmer discharged the jury and adjourned the case until the October sittings of the court. The trial had been expected to run for two to three days, as a large number of witnesses were listed to give evidence.

Breffni Gordon BL, appeared for Ms Nolan, instructed by Martin Cosgrove, solicitor.

- Funded with support from the Courts Reporting Scheme