A DRIVER and a cyclist were killed outright as the driver and a friend were “racing” one another in their cars in Limerick City, a court was told.
The driver, Patrick O’Reilly (17), of Castletroy, Limerick, died after his car struck Libyan native Saad Al Werfally (36) before hitting a tree.
Mr Werfally, the cyclist, also died in the impact at Hyde Road in Limerick City in the early hours of Friday, June 26, 2020, Limerick Circuit Criminal Court heard.
William Faulkner (24), of Caherdavin Heights, Limerick, who was a friend of Patrick O’Reilly, went on trial this Tuesday accused of dangerous driving and endangerment leading up to the double fatal collision.
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In his opening address, prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State Solicitor for Limerick City Padraig Mawe, said Mr Faulkner was not accused of causing the deaths of Mr O’Reilly and Mr Al Werfally.
Mr O’Sullivan said the prosecution’s case is that Mr Faulkner is guilty of dangerous driving and endangerment, in that he allegedly drove his car in a manner that was intentionally reckless, including with speed, which created a substantial risk of death or serious injury to other road users.
Mr Faulkner has pleaded not guilty to the two charges against him.
Judge Colin Daly told the jury sworn in for the trial that Mr Faulkner is presumed innocent until proven otherwise, and that it is up to the prosecution to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mr O’Sullivan said the prosecution’s case is that Mr Faulkner, who was 18 at the time of the fatal collision, and Patrick O’Reilly were driving two Volkswagen Passat vehicles and they met up in the Southill area of Limerick City around midnight.
Mr O’Sullivan said it would be alleged that Mr Faulkner and Mr O’Reilly were “racing” one another in their cars as they “drove in convoy” together towards the Hyde Road.
“It is alleged by the prosecution that William Faulkner was driving too fast at Hyde Road, a heavily built up area, on the night,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
The prosecution barrister said it would be alleged that Patrick O’Reilly’s car “went to overtake” Mr Faulkner’s car and that “Patrick O’Reilly lost control of his car, mounted a footpath or kerb and struck and collided with a man who had been cycling”.
“Patrick O’Reilly struck and killed Mr Werfally. Patrick O’Reilly struck a tree, his car effectively wrapped itself around the tree, resulting in the death of Mr Werfally,” the prosecuting barrister said.
Mr O’Sullivan said Mr Faulkner’s car did not make any contact with Patrick O’Reilly’s car or Mr Werfally on the night.
The prosecution barrister said “important” CCTV footage would be played in court to show the tragic events unfolding.
The trial, which is being heard by a jury of seven men and five women, continues Wednesday.