Trucker charged in connection with fatality

A haulier has been found guilty of a charge relating to a fatal accident in which a Co. Limerick pensioner died when a wheel came off the trailer of an articulated lorry.

Brendan Woods (32), Holycross, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, was found guilty of the charge by a jury at Limerick Circuit Court. It concerned ownership of a vehicle that, because of a known fault or a defect which could have been discovered by the exercise of ordinary care, was a danger to people. He was cleared of reckless endangerment.

The charges followed an accident on February 18th, 2004. Vincent Byrnes, Doon, Clarina, Co. Limerick died when a large double wheel came off the trailer of an articulated tractor unit and struck him when he was walking along a footpath towards Clarina.
A leading Garda expert witness gave evidence during the trial that a normal inspection of the trailer could have prevented the dislocation of the wheel.

Judge Carroll Moran adjourned sentencing to May 19th next.