Motorist in Midlands admits collision with horse trailer that injured man taking toilet break

A driver in the Midlands, who struck the back of a towed horse trailer, which led to it jackknifing causing serious injuries to a man who was standing nearby, 'will plead guilty' to careless driving causing bodily harm.

The preliminary hearing of James Farrell of Cranley Beg, Edgeworthstown, Longford took place at Longford District Court recently.

The case came before Judge Bernadette Owen for her to consider jurisdiction, namely whether the case should be heard in the district court or a higher court.

Sergeant Enda Daly, said the incident occurred on the N55 at Cranalagh More, Edgeworthstown on August 18, 2024 at 8.08am.

He stated the injured party, an 81 year-old man who was a front seat passenger, had gotten out of the vehicle to go to the toilet and he was standing beside a ditch at the back of the jeep urinating when the collision took place.

Sgt Daly said James Farrell was travelling in his Isuzu D-Max jeep when it struck the horse trailer from behind causing it to jackknife and overturn on the road striking the injured party and causing him to 'propel into the ditch'.

“[The injured party] suffered serious injuries as a result of this collision, which included 10 broken ribs, a punctured lung, a fractured pelvis, a broken left leg, a broken left shoulder, a dislocated right shoulder and a cracked vertebrae at the back, which caused him to spend 73 days in hospital."

Sgt Daly said he had correspondence from the investigating officer and an up to date medical report was sought, however, that request was still outstanding.

Solicitor Tom Madden, defending, agreed it was a 'very serious accident'. “Unfortunately the person, who left the vehicle sustained quite serious injuries and had a long hospitalisation.

"We are entering a plea and we are here to deal with it.”

Mr Madden submitted some photographs and he said the road traffic collision happened at a 'very dangerous location'.

"[There are] double white lines and it was 8.10am in the morning, the sun was rising and my client was blinded by that somewhat but I will let you take all of those factors into consideration."

Judge Owens said she needed one week to consider jurisdiction and distinguish in her own mind the manner of the driving and separate that from the injuries sustained.

The case was then adjourned for seven days.