A County Tyrone man has admitted causing the death of his six-year-old son by dangerous driving following a single-vehicle collision more than four years ago.
During his arraignment before Judge Roseanne McCormick KC at Derry Crown Court, 47-year-old Declan McCourt, of Bardahessiagh Road in Pomeroy, entered a guilty plea to causing the death of his son Ethan McCourt by driving dangerously between the Magherafelt bypass and the Castledawson roundabout on June 20, 2022.
Additional charge admitted
The accused also admitted driving without a licence on the same date, Belfast Live reports.
Defence barrister Stephen Mooney addressed Judge McCormick: "I am sure you have read the papers in this case. It is a distressing case in the extreme. The defendant wants to formally put on record his complete remorse for what has happened in this awful case."
Judge expresses sympathy
In response, Judge McCormick stated: "I see there are family members in the public gallery and I wish to express to them my unreserved sympathy for your loss and I commend you for the dignity you have demonstrated in court today."
Proceedings were adjourned until November 5 when a sentencing date will be set. Judge McCormick granted the accused continuing bail but cautioned that this should not be interpreted as an indication of the eventual sentence.
