A probation and welfare report has been completed, and the sentencing will take place later this month of a 46-year-old woman who has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of a Cork mother of two.
Ms Sheila Dunne (50) died following a single vehicle collision in Sarsfield Court in Glanmire in Cork last February. She worked as a special needs assistant at Watergrasshill National School in Co Cork.
Jennifer Thomas of Oakfield View, Glanmire, Co Cork appeared before Cork District Court earlier this year when she was first charged with the offence.
The charge was that on February 11th last at L2973, Sarsfield Court, Glanmire, Ms Thomas drove in a manner that was dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of another person, namely Sheila Dunne.
She was sent forward for trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. On October 29th last, Ms Thomas pleaded guilty to the charge of dangerous driving causing death.
On Tuesday, defence barrister Paula McCarthy, BL, requested that the State receive the full report of the pathologist, as opposed to a single page document which gives the cause of death.
Prosecution barrister Emmett Boyle, BL, said that there was no difference between what had been given to the State and the defence.
Judge Helen Boyle said that the full report should be provided if it can be made available prior to the sentencing hearing on November 26th next.
Victim impact statements from the relatives of the deceased have already been prepared.
Ms McCarthy said that the case was ready to proceed later this month. The probation and welfare report was available to the court on Tuesday.
The attendance of Ms Thomas was not required in court this morning for the brief mention of the case. She will remain on bail pending her sentencing hearing on November 26th next.
Ms Thomas was sent forward for trial on the first day of sessions at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Other charges, including one count of drink-driving and three counts of dangerous driving, will remain at the district court as they are deemed to be summary charges.
The summary charges consist of allegations that Ms Thomas was under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle at Sarsfield Court, dangerous driving at Hazelwood Road, Sarsfield Court and Sallybrook, not having a driving licence, and the related count of failing to produce it. All counts relate to the same date, February 11th.
Meanwhile, the late Sheila Dunne was remembered at her funeral mass at the Sacred Heart Church in Glounthaune as someone who had a great sense of pride in her two children, Lilley and TJ.
Her late husband, well-known local DJ Ted Dunne, died three years ago. She lived in Glanmire but was originally from Newcastle West in Co Limerick.
Sheila Dunne is survived by her two children, her parents, brothers, sisters and brothers-in-law, nephews and nieces and a large circle of friends.
Sheila was fondly remembered in Watergrasshill National School where she was described as having been a warm, generous and kind person.
Tributes were also paid to her by the Rainbow Club charity who said they would miss “her gorgeous smile” and wonderful hugs.
