Motorist hit pedestrian on ‘shared crossing’
The accident happed at a 'Shared Crossing' outside Carlow courthouse Pic: Michael O'Rourke
A motorist who hit a pedestrian as she was crossing the road pleaded guilty to careless driving at last week’s sitting of Carlow District Court. Mary Pender, Springhill, Killeshin, Co Laois pleaded guilty to the charge after an incident occurred at Court Place, Carlow on 20 February last year.
In court, Inspector Tom Jones told Judge Geraldine Carthy that when gardaí breathalysed Ms Pender, it was clear of any traces of alcohol. He added that the pedestrian was brought to hospital and, although there were no broken bones, she had to take time off work.
Insp Jones continued that the accident happened when the pedestrian was using a “shared crossing” in front of the courthouse, which is a crossing that has lines but is not illuminated. He said that the onus in such cases was “on the driver” to be aware of people crossing the road and added that 61-year-old Ms Pender had no previous convictions.
Solicitor Joe Farrell said it was the first time that his client had ever been before the court and that she was “very regretful” about what happened. He continued that a civil matter involving the case was coming up and that, on the day of the incident, conditions were wet and that there were no lights on the crossing.
Judge Carthy said that she wanted time to consider the evidence and adjourned sentencing until Wednesday 9 April.
