28/02/2006
Man found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving
A west Belfast man has been convicted of causing the deaths of two children by dangerous driving.
After 45 minutes deliberation the jury unanimously convicted 44-year-old Wayne Johnston, formerly from the Highfield estate, of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving at Belfast's Crown Court earlier today.
Johnston was accused of killing 11-year-old Christopher Shaw, and eight-year-old Emma Lynch, on the Springfield Road in December 2003. He was also found guilty of causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving to Christopher's older brother, Darren, then 13.
The children had been out walking their dog when Johnston lost control of his car, which mounted the pavement and knocked them down.
Outside the court, the mother of 11-year-old Christopher, said that both her family and the Lynch family had been given "a life sentence."
Witnesses at the trial said that they saw Johnston's car swerve into oncoming traffic, then onto the pavement before hitting the children.
His car was also reported to have uprooted a traffic light and dragged it along the road, before colliding with a parked vehicle.
During the trial, which lasted two-weeks, the defendant claimed to have suffered a "black-out" due to a coughing fit experienced after he lit a cigarette just prior to the crash.
The Judge, Mr Justice Morgan remanded Johnston in custody and adjourned sentencing until later next month pending pre-sentence probation reports.
(EF/SP)
After 45 minutes deliberation the jury unanimously convicted 44-year-old Wayne Johnston, formerly from the Highfield estate, of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving at Belfast's Crown Court earlier today.
Johnston was accused of killing 11-year-old Christopher Shaw, and eight-year-old Emma Lynch, on the Springfield Road in December 2003. He was also found guilty of causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving to Christopher's older brother, Darren, then 13.
The children had been out walking their dog when Johnston lost control of his car, which mounted the pavement and knocked them down.
Outside the court, the mother of 11-year-old Christopher, said that both her family and the Lynch family had been given "a life sentence."
Witnesses at the trial said that they saw Johnston's car swerve into oncoming traffic, then onto the pavement before hitting the children.
His car was also reported to have uprooted a traffic light and dragged it along the road, before colliding with a parked vehicle.
During the trial, which lasted two-weeks, the defendant claimed to have suffered a "black-out" due to a coughing fit experienced after he lit a cigarette just prior to the crash.
The Judge, Mr Justice Morgan remanded Johnston in custody and adjourned sentencing until later next month pending pre-sentence probation reports.
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 March 2024
Death Of Kilkeel Man Being Treated As Murder
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Kilkeel. On Thursday, 21 March, police received a report of a concern for safety for a couple at a property in the Newcastle Road area of the town shortly after 12.50pm. On arrival, officers located the body of a man who was unconscious and not breathing.
Death Of Kilkeel Man Being Treated As Murder
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Kilkeel. On Thursday, 21 March, police received a report of a concern for safety for a couple at a property in the Newcastle Road area of the town shortly after 12.50pm. On arrival, officers located the body of a man who was unconscious and not breathing.
05 March 2024
Man Injured After Shots Fired At House In Rathfriland
An investigation has been launched after shots were fired at a house in Rathfriland in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, 05 March. Police received a report that two shots had been fired through the front window of a house in the Wright's Park area at around 12.35am, causing minor injuries to a man who was in the living room at the time.
Man Injured After Shots Fired At House In Rathfriland
An investigation has been launched after shots were fired at a house in Rathfriland in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, 05 March. Police received a report that two shots had been fired through the front window of a house in the Wright's Park area at around 12.35am, causing minor injuries to a man who was in the living room at the time.
21 March 2024
Those Eligible Urged To Get MMR Vaccine Ahead Of Easter Travel
All those eligible for the MMR vaccine have been urged to get vaccinated ahead of any Easter travel plans.
Those Eligible Urged To Get MMR Vaccine Ahead Of Easter Travel
All those eligible for the MMR vaccine have been urged to get vaccinated ahead of any Easter travel plans.
22 February 2024
Man Pleads Guilty To Number Of Sexual Offences Against Children
A 31-year-old man who travelled to Belfast to meet what he thought was a 13-year-old girl, has pleaded guilty to a number of sexual abuse offences against children. Anil Patel pled guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, arranging the commission of a child sex offence and possessing extreme pornography of children.
Man Pleads Guilty To Number Of Sexual Offences Against Children
A 31-year-old man who travelled to Belfast to meet what he thought was a 13-year-old girl, has pleaded guilty to a number of sexual abuse offences against children. Anil Patel pled guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, arranging the commission of a child sex offence and possessing extreme pornography of children.
21 March 2024
Down Royal Announces Fibrus As New Headline Sponsor
Racegoers of all ages across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to attend Down Royal's brand-new Fibrus Family Race Day taking place on Sunday 14th April 2024. This partnership will see Fibrus secure title naming rights to this year's new race meeting bringing the total number of fixtures at Down Royal in 2024 to fourteen.
Down Royal Announces Fibrus As New Headline Sponsor
Racegoers of all ages across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to attend Down Royal's brand-new Fibrus Family Race Day taking place on Sunday 14th April 2024. This partnership will see Fibrus secure title naming rights to this year's new race meeting bringing the total number of fixtures at Down Royal in 2024 to fourteen.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.