Book of evidence served on Cork woman accused of dangerous driving causing death of special needs assistant

A 46-year-old woman accused of dangerous driving in Glanmire causing the death of a special needs assistant at Watergrasshill National School in February was served with a book of evidence today.

The accused woman, Jennifer Thomas of 10 Oakfield View, Glanmire, Cork, was charged by Detective Garda Mark Durcan, and she appeared for the first time at Cork District Court in relation to the case.

Evidence was given of her formal arrest, charge and caution on this and other related driving charges last month and of the fact that she made no reply to any of the counts against her. 

Det Garda Durcan said the accused was released on station bail to appear today at Cork District Court.

Evidence

After this evidence was given, Det Garda Durcan then served the book of evidence on Jennifer Thomas who wore a black trouser suit and was represented by solicitor Eddie Burke.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the State application was to have the accused woman sent forward for trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on the single charge that on February 11 at L2973, Sarsfield Court, Glanmire, she drove in a manner that was dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of another person, namely Sheila Dunne.

Sgt Kelleher said that on the charge of dangerous driving causing death there could only be an order to send the case forward for trial by judge and jury at the Circuit Court and it was not available for an accused person to opt for a signed plea of guilty at the District Court for sentencing at the Circuit Court.

Judge Mary Dorgan sent the case forward for trial at the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on October 29 when it is anticipated that a date will be fixed for a trial.

Alibi warning

Judge Dorgan gave Jennifer Thomas the alibi warning given to all defendants being sent forward for trial. 

This requires certain notices of witnesses to be given to the state if an accused person is relying on an alibi defence.

Eddie Burke solicitor, submitted a statement of means claiming the accused was earning less than €250 per week and requested free legal aid. Judge Dorgan said she would need to see a payslip verifying these earnings. Mr Burke said he would renew the free legal aid application at the Circuit Court.

Other charges including one count of drink driving and three counts of dangerous driving will remain at the District Court as they are deemed to be summary charges. Those counts were adjourned until November 27 at Cork District Court.

So the book of evidence contains only the single charge of dangerous driving causing death.

The summary charges consist of allegations that she was under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle at Sarsfield Court, dangerous driving at Hazelwood Road, Sarsfield Court and Sallybrook, not having a driving licence, and the related count of failing to produce it. All counts relate to the same date, February 11.

No details were given in court about the alleged facts that gave rise to the charges.