An unaccompanied learner driver who killed a mother of eight and her aunt while driving on the wrong side of the N5 near Castlebar, Co Mayo, has been fined €600 and banned from driving for 10 years.
Paul Duffy (26), The Quay, Westport, who pleaded guilty, was disqualified by Judge Raymond Groarke for dangerous driving causing the deaths of two people at Gortnafolla, Turlough, Castlebar, on July 14th, 2005.
Judge Groarke said Duffy, a father of two, was "criminally responsible" for the accident which killed Marian Maye (48), Kilkelly, Co Mayo, and her aunt, Kathleen Fitzpatrick (77), Lisacul, Castlerea, Co Roscommon, in that he did not maintain a proper lookout while overtaking.
He imposed a two-year prison sentence on Duffy, suspended on condition he enter a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for a period of six years. Duffy was fined €600 for driving on a first provisional licence unaccompanied by a qualified driver.
He was on his way to Westport for an appointment with a chiropodist when the accident occurred and he had no recollection what of what happened due to the injuries he had received.