Tyrone man to be sentenced for causing crash death of Donegal native

A 50 year old man from Co Tyrone man will be sentenced next week for dangerous driving causing the death of a 62 year old Donegal man.
Omagh Crown Court heard that Paul Nicholl, of Carnkenny Road, Newtownstewart, lost control of his car, and crashed into a car carrying Patsy McCroary, his wife and two children in 2014.
Nicholl pleaded guilty to causing the death of 62-year-old Mr McCroary by dangerous driving with excess alcohol and causing grievous bodily injury to his wife and children.
Mr McCroary was a native of Upper Alt, Castlefinn, living in Castlederg. The court was told he was known as ‘Donegal Patsy’ because of his passion for his native GAA team.
Prosecuting Counsel said on the morning of January 8, 2014, Mr Patsy McCroary was the front seat passenger in a blue Toyota Avensis car being driven by his son Padraig. His wife Geraldine and their daughter Samantha were rear seat passengers.
They were on the Melmount Road between Victoria Bridge and Sion Mills, travelling in the direction of Strabane when Paul Nicholl’s Suzuki car hit a kerb crossed into their lane and crashed into the car.
A subsequent blood sample gave a reading of 204 milligrammes of alcohol to 100 millilitres of blood.
Defence Barrister Ivor McAteer said Nicholl had a long history of dealing with his “alcohol demons” and was “deeply remorseful” for causing the death of Patsy McCroary and seriously injuring his wife and two children.
Nicholl was remanded in custody to be sentenced next week.