A judge said today that a 41-year-old French man “didn’t set out to this” where the man is facing a charge in connection with the road death of a local motorcyclist outside the Burren village of Ballyvaughan.
At Ennis District Court today, Judge Alec Gabbett made his comment concerning Olivier Le Bozec facing a charge of dangerous driving on the N67 leading out of Ballyvaughan on July 27th.
The motorcyclist, Jerry O’Connor, who lived locally, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Solicitor for Mr Le Bozec, John Casey previously told the court that Mr Le Bozec, his wife and child had arrived in Ireland just the day before to commence their holiday here.
Mr Le Bozec of Rue Georges Cadoudal, Locoal Mendon, France was driving his own French registered car when the collision occurred.
Sgt Moloney told the court on Wednesday that directions from the DPP are still awaited and the case could be further adjourned.
Judge Gabbett said “this man didn’t set out to do this”.
Mr Le Bozec first appeared in court the day after the fatal road traffic incident and Mr Le Bozec was free to return home to France after securing bail.
Sgt Moloney told Judge Gabbett that Mr Le Bozec is excused from future court sittings until required.
Sgt Moloney said that a long adjournment can be made and Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to March 2024.
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.
