Woman affirms guilty plea over crash that left girl with ‘catastrophic’ injuries

A Castlefin woman has affirmed a guilty plea in respect of a serious road traffic collision which left a 10-year-old girl with “catastrophic” injuries.

Gerarldine Havlin appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court where she confirmed her guilty plea before Judge John Aylmer.

The 59-year-old, of Dungorman, Castlefin is charged that she did drive a vehicle without due care and attention thereby causing serious bodily harm to another person at Fanmore, Falcarragh on July 13, 2023. 

The charge is contrary to section 52 (1) and 52 (2) (a) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 as substituted by section 4 of the Road Traffic (No 2) Act 2011.

When asked by the Court registrar if she was affirming her plea, Havlin replied: “Yes”.

Havlin’s barrister, Ms Dara Foynes SC, said that her client is in gainful employment and said the court would benefit from a probation report.

Judge Aylmer said that the Probation Service is under “enormous pressure” and he wished to reduce their burden.

Judge Aylmer asked for an assessment as to Havlin’s suitability for community service.

Legal aid was extended to cover medical reports.

Havlin has come before the Circuit Court on a signed guilty plea from Falcarragh District Court.

A sitting of the District Court last June heard that the injuries sustained by the child were “horrific”, “very serious” and “catastrophic”.

Previously, Judge Éiteáin Cunningham refused jurisdiction after hearing of the nature of the injuries. 

The court was previously informed that the accused woman suffered a broken sternum in the incident.

The girl was released that night but two days later was readmitted to hospital having felt unwell. She was diagnosed with a hematoma, caused by the seatbelt of the vehicle arising from the collision.

The court heard that the girl underwent skin graft and had in excess of 30 operations.

Medical reports from two hospitals were shown to Judge Cunningham, who subsequently refused jurisdiction.