Best man admits ‘speeding’ and ‘showing off’ prior to road crash that killed groom

The best man in a wedding admitted to “speeding” and  “showing off” prior to a road traffic collision which killed the groom hours before he was due to be married.

The bride-to-be said in her victim impact statement: "It should have been the happiest day of our lives together and looking forward to the future but instead it was a nightmare."

Shane Harty, aged 21, of Tola Park, Shannon, County Clare pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of Myles Harty, aged 20, of Friary Court, Askeaton, County Limerick.

READ ALSO: Met Éireann warns blast of 'cold arctic air' could impact travel as warnings take effect

Shane Harty was before Judge Colin Daly at at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing this Monday afternoon. Many in the body of the court wept openly during the hearing.

Myles Harty’s bride-to-be and mother of his son, Kate Quilligan (pictured below with the late Myles), sat beside the deceased’s parents Miley and Margaret Harty.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley BL, instructed by State Solicitor Brendan Gill, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Sergeant Patricia Ryan.

Ms Buckley said that “very tragically” the collision happened around 1am on the R518 between Rathkeale and Askeaton in County Limerick on August 21, 2021 - the morning of Myles Harty’s wedding day.

“The accused - Shane Harty - was to be the best man at his wedding,” said Ms Buckley.

The prosecuting barrister said Shane Harty and Myles Harty, who are cousins, knew the stretch of road well and were going to a 24-hour shop. Shane Harty was driving, Myles Harty was in the passenger seat. Earlier that day they had been in the city collecting suits and making arrangements for the wedding amid an “air of excitement”.

The court heard the Skoda Octavia left the road, hit a drystone wall, travelled upside down and hit a telephone pole which “unfortunately impacted the head of Myles Harty”. The medical evidence was that Myles Harty suffered “head injuries incompatible with life” and “his death would have been rapid if not instantaneous”.

Ms Buckley said there were no alcohol or drugs in the systems of Shane Harty or Myles Harty and they were both wearing seat belts.

A forensic collision investigator could not calculate the speed the car was travelling at but the damage caused to the Skoda, the height it reached in the air, breaking the telephone pole and the distance it travelled "would suggest the vehicle was travelling at over 80km/h" which is the speed limit on that stretch of road.

Shane Harty told gardai during an interview that he was travelling at 80km/h the last time he looked before the collision. When gardai put it to him, in a later interview, that he was speeding at the time he lost control, Shane Harty replied: “No doubt”.

Shane Harty admitted to gardai that earlier in the journey he “had been showing off”.

“I’m sorry it happened. It shouldn’t have happened,” said Shane Harty to investigating officers.

Ms Buckley said Shane Harty has no previous convictions.

The prosecuting barrister then read out victim impact statements on behalf of Myles Harty’s parents - Miley and Margaret - and fianceé Kate Quilligan.

Myles Harty’s parents said that their son was preparing for his wedding day which everyone was looking forward to.

“Since this accident we have missed his presence so much as he was always a joy to have around our house. Myles always had a big beautiful smile on his face and he always kept his family happy,” said his parents.

They said the loss of their son has caused grave pain which “will never leave our hearts.”

Kate Quilligan, who called her son Miley in memory of his late father, said in her victim impact statement that every day she wakes up she feels like she is reliving the nightmare of the early morning of August 21, 2021.

“It should have been the happiest day of our lives together and looking forward to the future but instead it was a nightmare.

“It has sadly shattered many lives and has robbed our son Miley of his father. Words will never express my sadness, empty heart and sad lonely days ahead without Myles.

"I pray every day he gives me the strength to go on in life without him and be both mammy and daddy to our beautiful son Miley. I promise you our son will make you proud,” said Ms Quilligan, in her victim impact statement.

Brian McInerney SC, instructed by solicitor Michael O’Donnell, represented Shane Harty.

During the sentencing hearing, he read out letters of apology written by Shane Harty to Myles Harty’s parents and Kate Quilligan.

Shane Harty said he wrote the letters with the deepest sympathy. He said Myles Harty was a very special person, had a great personality and sense of humour.

“He was my best friend. I wish I could turn back time but I can’t. I’m so sorry for the loss of your loving son,” wrote Shane Harty.

In the letter to Kate Quilligan, Shane Harty said he was so sorry for the loss of your fiance and father of your son.

“The day should have been your dream day and then spend the rest of your life with Myles. Instead you had to face the loss of Myles and Miley lost his father. I know Myles was very special to you and he would have been a great father to Miley. I’m very sorry. My sincere condolences to you Kate and your son Miley,” wrote Shane Harty.

Mr McInerney said it is a tragic case.

In mitigation, counsel referred to the absence of alcohol or intoxicant, no defects in the vehicle, Shane Harty had a full licence and insurance, co-operated with gardai, has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty and is genuinely remorseful. 

Mr McInerney said the forensic collision investigator could not calculate the speed of the vehicle.

“It is a heavy burden to carry. He is serving a life sentence as he has to carry it every waking moment,” said Mr McInerney.

The defence barrister also spoke of the Christian charity of Myles Harty’s parents and fianceé Kate Quilligan.

Judge Colin Daly said he is going to take the matter under consideration and adjourned sentencing until next Monday, November 25.