Driver apologises for causing death of Mayo doctor

A man who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of a Ballinrobe GP has apologised to his family for what happened.

Roman Klapper of 1A Pearce Terrace, Westport appeared before Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Dr Martin Finnerty who was struck by a vehicle while walking at Church Lane, Ballinrobe on December 12, 2024.

A native of Athenry, Dr Finnerty had lived in Ballinrobe for almost 40 years where he was a GP and well regarded in the south Mayo community.

Following the guilty plea, Mr Conall McCarthy, senior counsel for Mr Klapper told the court that his client instructed him to apologise to the family of Dr Finnerty and to express remorse and condolences to his family and friends for what happened.

Mr Patrick Reynolds, counsel for the prosecution explained that no members of the Finnerty family were in court for the arraignment but he would ask gardaí to convey Mr McCarthy's comments to the family.

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Mr Klapper who is a Polish national did not speak during the court proceedings only to enter a guilty plea with the help of a Polish interpreter.

Mr McCarthy asked Judge Eoin Garavan to adjourn sentencing to allow for the preparation of a psychological report which he said may assist the court in arriving at a just sentence in the case. He also asked for legal aid to be extended to cover a medical report for Mr Klopper.

Judge Garavan agreed to adjourn sentencing and extended legal aid for a medical report and remanded Mr Klopper on bail for sentencing on July 22 next.