Man jailed for causing deaths of mother and daughter

A judge who wanted to “send out a strong message” jailed a young man for one year yesterday for dangerous driving causing the deaths of a mother and daughter in Donegal in 2008.
21 year old Sean Goldrick of Dunlewey pleaded guilty at Letterkenny Circuit Court to causing the deaths of 45 year old Martina McLernon and her 15-year-old daughter, Louise, from Toome in County
Antrim.
The court heard that on May, 24, 2008 the mother and daughter were out walking at Meenacuing, Gweedore, near An Chúirt hotel at around 8.30pm when they were struck by Goldrick’s car which had gone out of control.
Evidence was given that Goldrick, who was 19 at the time, was speeding home during a 30 minute work-break when he lost control, hit an oncoming car and ploughed into the McLernons killing them instantly.
He jailed Goldrick for two years on each charge of dangerous driving and suspended the final 12 months of the sentence. He also disqualified him from driving for seven years, and refused leave to appeal.
The sentences are to run concurrently, which means in effect, Goldrick will only serve one year in jail.