French tourist to face trial over death of Clare pensioner in road crash

A French tourist is to face trial before the circuit court after he was charged following the death of a 71-year-old motorcyclist in a road crash in Co. Clare last summer.

At Ennis District Court this Wednesday, a Book of Evidence was served on Olivier Le Bozec who is accused of dangerous driving causing the death of Jeremiah (Jerry) O’Connor on the N67 leading out of Ballyvaughan village on the morning of July 27, 2023.

Mr O’Connor, who lived locally, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Solicitor for Mr Le Bozec, John Casey previously told the court previously that his client, his wife and child had arrived in Ireland just the day before the fatal incident to commence a holiday here.

Mr Le Bozec, aged 41, of Rue Georges Cadoudal, Locoal Mendon, France was driving his own French-registered car when the collision occurred. 

Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Garda Noreen King told the court that Mr Le Bozec made no reply after charge and caution.

The defendant - who turns 42 next month - required the services of a French interpreter for the procedural hearing and Sgt John Burke said that Mr Le Bozec could be remanded on continuing bail on the same terms.

Mr Le Bozec - who is in full time employment in France - is free to return home to France pending the case coming before Ennis Circuit Court.

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Mr Casey applied that the legal aid certificate be extended to allow two barristers to also represent Mr Le Bozec in the circuit court and for the Book of Evidence to be translated into French.

The applications were granted by Judge Adrian Harris.

Those convicted of dangerous driving causing death in the circuit court can face up to five years in prison.

Since her husband’s death, Mr O’Connor's widow, Helga Himmelsbach has been campaigning for improved signage and safer roads in the Ballyvaughan region.

Ms Himmelsbach has said that she is hopeful Mr O’Connor’s death will be the catalyst for critical traffic calming measures in the region.