Jennifer Thomas of Oakfield View, Glanmire, Co Cork appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday having pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Sheila Dunne on February 11 last.
A 46 year old former model who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of a mother of two had consumed 12 alcoholic drinks, which included cocktails, prosecco, wine and gin, in the hours before the crash.
Defence counsel Tom Creed, SC, told Judge Helen Boyle that “unfounded social media rumours” and inaccurate newspaper reports had circulated in the wake of the crash. He said that “malicious rumours” had spread in Cork that the body of Sheila Dunne had been moved in the vehicle. Dt Garda Durcan said that in the minutes before the crash occurred Jennifer fell asleep before the wheel twice whilst stopped at traffic lights. On one occasion a passer by observed that Jennifer was asleep and knocked on the window of the jeep telling her to park up.
He stated that when gardai arrived at the scene Jennifer Thomas was asked who was driving. She said that she was and then she “got erratic” and was unable to give a definitive answer. She then said that Sheila Dunne was driving as she had “more control.” “I stand before you today as his voice and to outline the devastation we have both endured. I want to try and express as vividly as I can how this tragic event has destroyed my life, my brother’s world and and our family unit as we know it.”
"This experience is what I can only describe as hell. My beautiful Mom was taken from us far too soon at the young age of fifty. In a car crash caused by a reckless decision made by a selfish individual. This choice has altered our lives forever. Lilley said that her mother would miss all the special milestones of her life such as her wedding and watching her become a mother.“Compounding our grief. Newspapers and social media outlets covered the story and reported that my Mom was the driver of the car. Jennifer’s complete fabrication painted a picture of my Mom, Sheila, that was far from the truth sensationalising the tragedy and worsening our family suffering.”“She has only started to live her life again after Dad’s passing.
The court heard that Ms Thomas had ten previous convictions for road traffic offences, larceny and misuse of drugs. He said that unfortunately following this accident all sorts of “unfounded allegations” circulated in Cork.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tributes paid to ‘outstanding’ Cork historian Gabriel Doherty after his death at 56Doherty was best known for his written works on Michael Collins, Terence McSwiney and the Irish Civil War
Read more »
Co Cork woman admits dangerous driving causing death of special needs assistantJennifer Thomas (46) charged over incident leading to death of Sheila Dunne (50) in Glanmire in February
Read more »
Cork family praise local firefighters who saved toddler who was chokingTwo Cork parents have shared their gratitude to Ballyvolane Fire Station after they help save their 11-month-old daughter who had fallen unconscious after choking on toast
Read more »
Simon Harris says he ‘feels really bad’ over exchange with upset carer in CorkIn footage which has been widely shared on social media, the woman tells Simon Harris that the disability sector has 'been ignored' and accuses the Taoiseach of 'not being a good man'
Read more »
Ireland weather LIVE as Met Eireann warns of snow with Status Orange alertA Met Eireann Orange warning is in place for Cork, Waterford, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary
Read more »
Man jailed for 17 years for 'devastating' rape of wife and two daughtersThe man, who cannot be identified, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court in Cork
Read more »