A Limerick man who seriously injured two pensioners in Parteen after colliding into them with a car has pleaded guilty to the offence at Limerick Circuit Court.
Michael Sheehan has pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm.
79-year-old Eric Ryan, along with his friends 77-year-old retired garda Liam Barry and retired postman Dermot O'Brien, who is also in his 70s and now deceased, were returning to Mr Barry's car after playing a round of pitch and putt in Parteen when the incident happened around 5.00pm on the 25th of September last.
As a result of the collision Mr Ryan had to have his leg amputated, while Liam Barry also suffered significant injuries.
Detective Garda Ronan O'Reilly told Limerick Circuit Court that gardaí were pursuing Michael Sheehan when the collision occured.
Evidence by Garda Cathal O'Gorman said he observed a red coloured Hyundai Accent increasing speed as it approached the junction near Brown's Bar in Parteen. The driver lost control, the car started shunting left and right before ploughing into members of the public.
Garda O'Gorman said he saw one of the victim's, Eric Ryan jerking forward and backwards from the force of the crash before flopping to the ground.
He said as Michael Sheehan fled the scene on foot, he ran over the injured body of Eric Ryan.
Several witnesses said they saw a red or wine coloured car driving at speed in the area and the driver was scene fleeing on foot, while Eric Ryan was pinned to the ground.
When interviewed Detective O'Reilly said that Sheehan told gardaí he had drank eight bottles of cider and a naggin of vodka on the morning of the incident.
Michael Sheehan has also pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary at Aherina, Kilmore, Co Clare and Doonass, Co Clare, and refusing to give a blood sample to gardaí on the same date.
Sentencing is due on the case in October
