An 11 year old boy who believed his father had been killed in a hit and run accident has been awarded £10,300 in damages.
Castleblayney Circuit Court yesterday heard about Anthony Holland's terrifying experience when a car ploughed into the family car and then drove off. The accident happened on a country road in Co Monaghan on March 17th, 1995.
Judge Matt Deery heard how Mr Thomas Holland, the boy's father, lost consciousness in the accident. The boy screamed as the other driver looked into the wreckage after the crash, then fled the scene and was never traced.
Yesterday, the boy's mother, Ms Bernadette Holland, of Kennellyduff, Carrickmacross, brought a claim for compensation against the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland.
Ms Monica Lawlor BL, said the boy suffered a terrible trauma and is still afraid of travelling in a car. "He believed his father was dead as a result of the crash," she added.
The judge approved an award of £10,300 with costs.