Sheila Dunne's death was 'entirely preventable', judge says after jailing Jennifer Thomas
Jennifer Frontpage Thomas
The tragedy of Sheila Dunne's death in a car being drunkenly driven by Jennifer Thomas was that it was entirely preventable, the judge said as she jailed Thomas for four years.
“It is not a crime to go out with your friend (and have a few drinks) but it is a crime to get behind wheel of the car. You could have had a designated driver or taxi or a bus or walked. Unfortunately, you sealed the fate of the passenger in that car, Ms Sheila Dunne.
“Alcohol is an aggravating factor and the sustained period of poor driving including a request from one person who knocked on your window and indicated you should pull in and park,” Judge Helen Boyle said.
Tragically, that advice to stop driving was not heeded and the fatal collision occurred soon afterwards. The judge noted that the deceased was not wearing a seatbelt on this journey while Ms Thomas did wear a seatbelt. There was evidence at the sentencing hearing that not wearing a seatbelt put a person at 600% greater risk of injury.
Jennifer Thomas (aged 46) of 10 Oakfield View, Glanmire, Cork, pleaded guilty to the charge that on February 11 at L2973, Sarsfield Court, Glanmire, she drove in a manner that was dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Sheila Dunne (aged 50).
Judge Helen Boyle imposed a sentence of five years with the last year suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday.
The court heard that Ms Thomas had previous convictions for road traffic offences.
“We hope this sends a powerful message — actions have consequences. If your story can stop another family from suffering this kind of heartbreak, maybe it will have meant something," said Ms Dunne's daughter Lilly.
“No amount of defence can change what happened to my Mom. Accountability matters. A guilty plea is a step toward holding them responsible, even if it feels empty. But it’s not enough. It’s not the justice my Mom deserves.
“I won’t let my mom’s memory be confined to the outcome of this court case or the way we were treated.
"I’ve shared my pain, my love for my Mom and the lifelong impact this tragedy has had on myself, TJ (her younger brother) and our family. We love you Mom. And though too short, you gave us a life full of memories that we will treasure for ever.”
Judge Boyle thanked the deceased woman’s mother and daughter for their victim impact statements and described Lilley Dunne as “an amazingly brave person".
The judge said that upsetting content of social media commentaries were a feature of the case but were not something that could impact sentencing.
“There were a number of untrue stories on social media, perhaps reflected in mainstream media reporting on social media. I do accept they added to the grief of all the parties here but this court sentences on the basis of evidence,” Judge Boyle said.
As well as referring to the victim impact statements, the judge noted background reports on the accused woman and the fact that she made a verified, serious attempt to take her own life on October 24. The judge also noted her remorse on causing the death of her friend.