Irish mother admits causing deaths of two children in motorway crash

An Irish mother whose two children died in a motorway crash in England has admitted causing their deaths.

Thames Valley Police said Mary McCann, of Bamford Avenue, Derby, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to two counts of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink.

The 35 year old, who was arrested in September last year after failing to answer bail, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on April 25th.

Police said McCann was driving northbound on the M1 near Milton Keynes at about 11.10pm on August 9th last year when she collided with a white Scania HGV.

Her children Lilly McCann (4) and Smaller Peter McCann (10) sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene between junction 14 and 15.

A third passenger, a two-year-old girl, was not seriously injured. The driver of the lorry was not injured.

Commenting after the court hearing, investigating officer Sgt Dominic Mahon, of the area's Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Bicester, said: "This was a tragic incident in which two young children lost their lives. My thoughts remain with their family at this incredibly difficult time. Thankfully they will not have to go through the ordeal of a trial due to McCann's guilty pleas today." – PA