Jury finds Mayo woman guilty of careless driving causing death

A MAYO woman has been convicted by a jury at the Circuit Criminal Court in Castlebar today of careless driving causing the death of a cyclist.

Nuala Delaney Whelan of Ballyknock, Ballycastle, had pleaded not guilty to the charge of careless drivingm causing the death of 53-year old Patrick McHale, Knockanillaun, Ballina.

Mr. McHale died at Mayo University Hospital on May 30, 2017, two days after he sustained head and spinal injuries when Ms Delaney Whelan's car hit his bicycle.

The location of the accident was at Rathroeen, Ballina on the R314. Ballina to Killala Road.

Ms Delaney Whelan was travelling with her mother towards Killala - the same direction as the deceased - when the impact occurred.

After a trial lasting a number of days, a jury returned a guilty verdict. 

Judge Rory MacCabe put back sentencing until tomorrow week, Friday, February 15.

The defendant had been remanded on bail until the sentencing hearing.