A French tourist has appeared in court today charged with the dangerous driving causing the death of a 71-year-old motorcyclist outside the Burren village of Ballyvaughan in north Clare last July.
At Ennis District Court today, Olivier Le Bozec (41) appeared after being charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Jeremiah (Jerry) O’Connor on the N67 leading out of Ballyvaughan on the morning of July 27th last
Mr O’Connor, who lived locally, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Solicitor for Mr Le Bozec, John Casey told the court previously that his client, wife and child had arrived in Ireland just the day before to commence their holiday here.
A Book of Evidence was served in the case today and Judge Adrian Harris sent Mr Le Bozec forward for trial to the next sittings of Ennis Circuit Court.
Mr Le Bozec of Rue Georges Cadoudal, Locoal Mendon, France was driving his own French registered car when the collision occurred.
In evidence of arrest, charge and caution before court on Wednesday morning, Garda Noreen King told the court that Mr Le Bozec made no reply after charge and caution.
Mr Le Bozec – who turns 42 next month – required the services of a French interpreter for today’s hearing and Sgt John Burke said that Mr Le Bozec could be remanded on continuing bail on the same terms.
Mr Le Bozec – who is in full time employment in France – is free to return home to France pending the case coming before Ennis Circuit Court.
Mr Casey applied that the legal aid certificate be extended to allow two barristers also represent Mr Le Bozec in the circuit court and for the Book of Evidence to be translated into French.
Those convicted of dangerous driving causing death in the circuit court can face up to five years in prison.
Judge Harris gave Mr Le Bozec the alibi warning that if an alibi formed part of his defence that he must inform the State of it within 14 days.
Since her husband’s death, Mr.O’Connor’s widow, Helga Himmelsbach has been campaigning for improved signage and safer roads in the Ballyvaughan region.
Ms Himmelsbach has said that she is hopeful Mr O’Connor’s death will be the catalyst for critical traffic calming measures in the region.
