Menu
08/05/2008
Driver Blames Couple For Accident In Spain
The suspected drink driver who killed two Irish pedestrians in Spain has blamed the couple's "lack of caution" for their deaths.
The 35-year-old man has been remanded in custody while a judge investigates him for the possible crime of manslaughter.
John O'Connell (46) and wife Mary (45), from Cahirciveen, Co Kerry, were killed instantly when they were struck by a Peugeot 206 at an accident blackspot on the Costa Blanca on Monday night.
The driver is also reported to be blaming the quality of the roads for the collision, which left the couple 50m down the road from the initial impact.
The suspected man is said to be considering suing local authorities because of the poor condition of the N332 in Orihuela Costa, where the tragedy occurred.
He was arrested at the scene after allegedly failing a breath test and the circumstances suggest he was speeding.
In a statement to an investigating judge behind closed doors on Tuesday, the driver is reported to have said the area was badly lit and badly signposted.
His lawyer reportedly blamed the tragedy on the "possible imprudence" of Mr and Mrs O'Connell.
The driver, originally from Madrid but living in Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca, was returning from a dinner in a restaurant when he ploughed into the couple as they walked down the street.
He has not yet been charged with any offence.
The couple had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows and were only hours into their holiday.
(DW/JM)
The 35-year-old man has been remanded in custody while a judge investigates him for the possible crime of manslaughter.
John O'Connell (46) and wife Mary (45), from Cahirciveen, Co Kerry, were killed instantly when they were struck by a Peugeot 206 at an accident blackspot on the Costa Blanca on Monday night.
The driver is also reported to be blaming the quality of the roads for the collision, which left the couple 50m down the road from the initial impact.
The suspected man is said to be considering suing local authorities because of the poor condition of the N332 in Orihuela Costa, where the tragedy occurred.
He was arrested at the scene after allegedly failing a breath test and the circumstances suggest he was speeding.
In a statement to an investigating judge behind closed doors on Tuesday, the driver is reported to have said the area was badly lit and badly signposted.
His lawyer reportedly blamed the tragedy on the "possible imprudence" of Mr and Mrs O'Connell.
The driver, originally from Madrid but living in Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca, was returning from a dinner in a restaurant when he ploughed into the couple as they walked down the street.
He has not yet been charged with any offence.
The couple had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows and were only hours into their holiday.
(DW/JM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 October 2015
Renewed Appeal Over Murder Of Taxi Driver
Gardaí have renewed an appeal for information on the murder of taxi driver Martin Mulligan. Mr Mulligan (53) was stabbed to death on 28 September following an altercation in Dundalk in Co Louth. It is believed the altercation began over an unpaid taxi fare.
Renewed Appeal Over Murder Of Taxi Driver
Gardaí have renewed an appeal for information on the murder of taxi driver Martin Mulligan. Mr Mulligan (53) was stabbed to death on 28 September following an altercation in Dundalk in Co Louth. It is believed the altercation began over an unpaid taxi fare.
10 March 2015
Elderly Couple Found Dead In Churchtown
An investigation has been launched following the discovery of the bodies of an elderly man and woman in Churchtown, Dublin, on Monday night. Gardaí found the bodies after responding to a report of concern for the man and woman's welfare. The bodies have been removed to Tallaght Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be carried out.
Elderly Couple Found Dead In Churchtown
An investigation has been launched following the discovery of the bodies of an elderly man and woman in Churchtown, Dublin, on Monday night. Gardaí found the bodies after responding to a report of concern for the man and woman's welfare. The bodies have been removed to Tallaght Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be carried out.
01 August 2008
Flash Floods Limerick And Cork
The River Arra in Newcastle West, Limerick, burst its banks on Thursday night after heavy rains, leaving over 3,000 households without electricity. The flooding has left the local ESB station submerged in water and many without heating or light.
Flash Floods Limerick And Cork
The River Arra in Newcastle West, Limerick, burst its banks on Thursday night after heavy rains, leaving over 3,000 households without electricity. The flooding has left the local ESB station submerged in water and many without heating or light.
21 March 2008
Couple Remanded Over Taxi Driver Murder
A man and woman, both in their 20s, are currently being questioned by gardaí, following the stabbing of an off-duty taxi driver in west Dublin. Mark Smyth, a 31-year-old taxi driver from the Hawthorns, Duleek, Co Meath was attacked in the Fortlawn estate on Tuesday night. He had been stabbed more than 20 times in the neck and chest.
Couple Remanded Over Taxi Driver Murder
A man and woman, both in their 20s, are currently being questioned by gardaí, following the stabbing of an off-duty taxi driver in west Dublin. Mark Smyth, a 31-year-old taxi driver from the Hawthorns, Duleek, Co Meath was attacked in the Fortlawn estate on Tuesday night. He had been stabbed more than 20 times in the neck and chest.
20 March 2008
Further Appeals In Taxi Stabbing Inquiry
Gardaí are continuing their appeal for a couple to come forward in connection to the murder of a man in Blanchardstown on Tuesday evening. Mark Smyth, a 31-year-old taxi driver from the Hawthorns, Duleek, Co Meath was attacked in the Fortlawn estate. He had been stabbed a number of times in the neck and chest.
Further Appeals In Taxi Stabbing Inquiry
Gardaí are continuing their appeal for a couple to come forward in connection to the murder of a man in Blanchardstown on Tuesday evening. Mark Smyth, a 31-year-old taxi driver from the Hawthorns, Duleek, Co Meath was attacked in the Fortlawn estate. He had been stabbed a number of times in the neck and chest.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
