A Circuit Court judge has today said that a grieving mum’s victim impact statement after the tragic death of her young son should be compulsory reading for any would-be drink-drivers.

 

Judge Keenan Johnson made the comments following a reading of a statement by Ronan and Gillian Treacy, the Portlaoise couple who lost their four-year-old son, Ciaran, in a devastating car crash.

 

During today’s hearing at Portlaoise Circuit Court, 40-year-old Finbarr O’Rourke admitted to dangerous driving causing death; the court heard how he had drunk eight to 10 pints on the day of the crash.

 

While little Ciaran lost his life in the horrific accident, his mother, Gillian, has undergone 10 operations to treat her injuries. The court today heard that Mrs Treacy could yet lose a part of one of her legs.

 

 

In a truly devastating statement read out today, Gillian revealed the extent of her family's horrific ordeal.

 

“We both had to look on at our two sons on the side of the road, Sean being comforted while Ciaran was being resuscitated. The look of horror and disbelief on [husband Ronan’s] face told me that our lives were falling apart,” she wrote.

 

Describing her ordeal in hospital, undergoing treatment for her own injuries while waiting for an update on her two young sons, Gillian added: “Hours later I woke up but was being supported by a ventilator…It was then that Ronan confirmed what I already knew in my heart; that Ciaran didn’t make it. My whole life was shattered and my heart was broken when my worst nightmare had been confirmed.”

 

The court heard how Gillian attended her son’s funeral on a trolley, on a day “no parent should have to endure”.

 

Mr O’Rourke is due for sentencing next Tuesday.

399 Shares

Latest

Trending