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Disqualified Driver Pleads Guilty in Laura Connolly’s Death as Sentencing Is Deferred

The judge deferred sentencing to review the case file.

Overview

  • At Friday's hearing in Letterkenny Circuit Court, Judge John Aylmer deferred sentencing after Sean Connaughton admitted dangerous driving causing death.
  • Prosecutors then arraigned him on three more counts: failing to remain at the scene, driving without insurance, and driving without a licence.
  • Connolly, 34, was hit in Lifford in the early hours of 11 July 2021 when a van drove over her and left without stopping.
  • Garda forensic tests matched her DNA to Connaughton’s Citroën Berlingo, and the state pathologist found she died from blunt-force injuries.
  • Connaughton had been banned from driving since 10 April 2020 and has 16 prior convictions, factors the court will weigh as he remains on bail.