The judge urges motorists to “ take a second look ” at a woman fined 4,000 euros for pulling a cyclist off her bicycle

A JUDGE HAS urged motorists to “take that second look” at bicyclists when maneuvering, as she fined a woman whose careless driving left a young man permanently injured.

The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Karen Cohalan (53) had a “momentary lapse” in making a late decision to turn left without signaling and hit a bicyclist traveling in the same direction as her.

He suffered a head injury and is now 50% deaf in one ear and has lost his sense of smell.

Cohalan, of Port View, Thorncastle Street, Dublin 4, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily injury to Aengus Cunningham (25) on South Lotts Road, Ringsend on March 20, 2019. Cohalan, CPA and mother of two children, has no prior convictions.

The maximum penalty for this crime is two years in prison and / or a fine of € 10,000.

Judge Pauline Codd noted when assessing Cohalan’s guilt that there were three elements involved: the last minute decision to make a turn at an intersection, the lack of indication and, despite having checked his rear view mirror, he could not be monitored while making a turn.

Judge Codd said this sounded like a high degree of guilt, but it actually happened in a split second and involved a “momentary lapse.” She said the incident occurred at a busy intersection and Cohalan should have been more careful when making the turn.

She took into account Cohalan’s “impeccable character” personally and professionally, his guilty plea, and his genuine remorse that he had displayed throughout the process. She said Cohalan was not a person likely to appear in court again.

He noted that Mr. Cunningham’s injuries were life-changing and the effects on him were permanent.

Judge Codd said there was no personal deterrence requirement here in the sentence, but perhaps there was a general deterrence by showing more caution on the road and being vigilant for cyclists.

“Take a second look,” Judge Codd said, noting that motor vehicles could cause serious injuries.

Judge Codd imposed a fine of 4,000 euros to be paid within a year and imposed a mandatory disqualification of four years.

She wished Mr. Cunningham the best in his recovery and noted his kindness in accepting Cohalan’s remorse as genuine.