The Cratloe farmer accused of dangerous driving causing the death of an elderly German tourist in Bunratty as admitted to Gardaí that he didn’t see the woman before his tractor ran over her.
John Boyce of Moyhill, Cratloe has pleaded not guilty to the dangerous driving causing the death of the elderly German tourist two years ago.
76 year old Inge Schmidt died after she was struck by a tractor while walking across a pedestrian crossing at Low Road Bunratty on October 29th 2010.
In evidence, Public Service Vehicle inspector, Maurice Nolan explained that a front loader attached to Mr Boyce’s tractor and the windscreen wiper not working would have obstructed his view. The trial has heard that it was raining at the time of the accident.
In an interview with Gardaí, which was read out to the jury at Ennis Circuit Court yesterday,, 57-year-old Boyce said “I saw everyone else. I didn’t see the woman.’
He said he did not accept that this because his wipers were not working while the front loader created multiple blind spots, and stated that ‘the pedestrian crossing was clear when (he) drove through it.’
Asked who was at fault for the accident, Mr Boyce told Gardaí: “I have a share of the blame there.”
The jury in the case is due to retire today (Thurs) to consider its verdict after hearing closing arguments and the charge by Judge Gerald Keyes.
