THE owner of a car involved in a hit and run which left two pensioners dead refused to answer questions about the incident by claiming privilege at Dublin Coroners Court yesterday.
Mr William O'Keeffe and Mrs Maureen McDonnell were killed crossing the Ballyfermot Road in Dublin in January 1994 when the car mounted the footpath, the inquest heard.
A solicitor for one of the pensioners families said it was regrettable that they had to go away from the court still ignorant of the facts after a two year wait.
During yesterday's proceedings, the registered owner of the car involved in the incident claimed privilege and refused to answer questions put to him by Mr Joseph Maguire, the solicitor acting for one of the deceased's families.
The registered owner, Mr Michael Reid, whose address was not provided, said "I'm claiming privilege" on each of the questions put to him by Mr Maguire The solicitor inquired if he had given permission to anyone to drive his car had the car been stolen previously, and whether he was drinking on January 9th-10th 1994.
Mr Anthony Pendred, solicitor for Mr Reid, told the inquest that his client had been interviewed and cautioned by gardai in connection with their investigations into the incident and that his client must be granted "the full latitude on the question of privilege" at the inquest.
Dr Brian Farrell, the Dublin City Coroner, appealed to the car driver to come forward, even at this late stage, so that Mr Maguire's remarks on behalf of the deceased's family could be addressed.
Mrs Annie McCabe, of Black ditch Road, Ballyfermot, told the inquest that about 12.30 am on January 10th, 1994, both herself, the two deceased and Mrs Nancy O'Keeffe all of Blackditch Road, Ballyfermot, were crossing the Ballyfermot Road when a speeding car came along.
As both Nancy and Willie O'Keeffe reached the footpath, the car mounted the pavement. The vehicle had only two wheels on the road, the front and the back right wheel. There was a heavy thud as the car hit both of them. But as it came off the foot path, it hit Mrs McDonnell.
Mrs Nancy O'Keeffe, widow of Willie, told the inquest they had looked up and down the Ballyfermot Road near the Esso garage, but saw no traffic.
She said "But this car came from nowhere at speed.
Sgt Frank Timoney said that after a full investigation, a Garda file was sent to the State senior legal authorities, but no criminal proceedings followed.
Garda Adrian Tucker, a public service vehicle inspector attached to the Garda Carriage Office said that all the damage to the car was consistent with the car being in contact with a person.
The car doors, steering lock and ignition switch were intact and there were no signs of interference or damage to any locks.
Garda Brian Woods said that the car was reported stolen to Ronanstown Garda Station about 9 a.m. on January 10th and had been located at Glenfield Estate.
The inquest jury recorded a verdict that both deceased died of injuries received in a hit and run accident involving a Ford Sierra car on January 10th, 1994 at Ballyfermot Road.