Pair admit causing death of Ballyhornan farmer

TWO local motorists could jailed for Christmas after admitting causing the death of a Ballyhornan man in an accident outside the village.

Che McManus (21), of Carriff Court, Kilclief, pleaded guilty in court today to causing the death of 72 year-old Patrick Wilkinson by dangerous driving, while his co-defendant, Daryl Kirton (23), of Drumnaconagher Road, Crossgar, admitted causing his death by careless driving.

Kirton also admitted causing Mr Wilkinson’s death while driving without insurance.

Mr Wilkinson died after being struck by a car at Killard Road in Ballyhornan in the late afternoon of June 25, 2014.

The accident happened on a stretch of road at the centre of a long-running appeal by residents calling for a reduction in the speed limit to 30mph. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard last month confirmed action would now be taken to introduce the new lower speed limit.

At Downpatrick Crown Court this morning, the defendants, both wearing suits, were told they faced an immediate driving ban.

Confirming their release on continuing bail until sentencing on December 22, Judge Piers Grant also warned that their release on bail did not mean they would not be jailed.

“It is almost inevitable that custodial sentences will be imposed,” he said.

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“Your sentence will be determined by what I hear on December 22."

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