Jury finds man guilty of dangerous driving
A jury found a young man accused of dangerous driving causing the death of a man in West Cork guilty as charged by a majority of 11 to 1 after almost four hours of deliberations this evening.
In the witness box today the accused denied the charge and said that he was driving at 39mph and his articulated lorry went out of control and there was nothing he could have done about it.
Rory Hennessy, aged 22, of Kennagh House, Enniskeane, Co Cork, is now convicted on the charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Robert O'Higgins, aged 52, of Tuberneen, Clonakilty, Co Cork.
Judge Sean O’Donnabhain thanked the jury for giving the matter long and careful consideration.
Sentencing was adjourned until May 7.
The defendant was remanded on continuing bail.
Earlier today, Rory Hennessy described how it happened, from his point of view.
"I came around the corner normally. I braked and dropped down two gears at the bend. I suddenly noticed it lifting.
"There was nothing I could do and it went over. I remember falling around in the cab and sliding around on the ground. When everything stopped I stood up where I was. I was outside the
cab, maybe two feet in front of the windscreen.
"I looked for my phone. I noticed the deceased lying on the ground. I ran over to him. I knelt down, lifted him and started crying holding him," he said.
