Cork woman admits dangerous driving led to death of special needs helper – The Irish Times

A 46-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of a mother-of-two who worked as a special needs assistant at a school in Co Cork.

Jennifer Thomas, of Oakfield View, Glanmire, Co Cork, appeared at Cork District Court earlier this year where she was first charged with the offence.

The charge was that on February 11 last year at Sarsfield Court, Glanmire, Ms Thomas drove a vehicle dangerous to the public, causing the death of another person, namely Sheila Dunn (50), who also lived in Glanmire.

Ms Thomas was sent to stand trial on the first day of Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Other charges, including one count of drink driving and three counts of dangerous driving, will remain pending in the District Court as they are considered summary charges.

The summary charge consists of allegations that Ms Thomas was under the influence of an intoxicating substance to the extent that she was unable to properly control a vehicle in Sarsfield Court, dangerous driving on Hazelwood Road, Sarsfield Court and Sallybrook, failure to drive license and the related fact of its non-provision. All calculations refer to the same date – February 11.

Ms Thomas was arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing death. No details about the alleged facts underlying the charges were provided in court.

Defense lawyer Tom Creed asked for legal aid to be extended so that a GP and psychologist’s report could be provided. He also asked that a probation and welfare report be prepared for his client.

Prosecution counsel Catherine McGillicuddy BL said the prosecution was keen to pursue the case and that the victim’s relatives had already prepared victim impact statements.

Judge Helen Boyle provided free legal assistance to prepare the necessary reports. She adjourned the case until next November 19 at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Mrs Dunn worked as an SNA at Watergrasshill National School in County Cork. She lived in Glanmire but was from Newcastle West in County Limerick.