Buncrana man pleads guilty to causing death of pensioner in road collision

A Buncrana man has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of a Letterkenny pensioner.

Shaun Duffy apologised to the family of the late Mervyn McClure when he appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court.

Duffy, a 50-year-old of Trillick, Buncrana, tendered a guilty plea when he was formally arraigned before Judge John Aylmer.

Mr McClure passed away following a three car collision on July 5, 2022 on the N13 road at Sharon Glebe, Newtowncunningham. The late Mr McClure, from Lurgy in Letterkenny, was in his 70s at the time.

Members of Mr McClure’s family were present in court.

Addressing the bereaved family, Duffy said: “I would like to say that I’m very sorry to the McClure family”.

Barrister for Duffy, Ms Dara Foynes SC, asked the court to remand her client on continuing bail and sought the preparation of reports in the matter.

The late Mervyn McClure

Ms Foynes told the court that Duffy had suffered an “absolutely horrendous tragedy of his own”, following the death of his son, prior to this incident. 

Judge Aylmer extended legal aid to cover a psychological report and also requested the preparation of a probation report.

The case was adjourned to the July sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court.