A driver, who caused a multi-vehicle pile-up that resulted in the death of a Leitrim man in Sydney over two years ago, has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.
36-year-old Francis Shanley, from Bornacoola, died after his car was rear-ended by a truck after a motorist stopped his vehicle after missing his turnoff on a motorway.
A court in New South Wales in Australia this week heard that Francis Omigie was driving along the M4 in Sydney just before 6am when he brought his car to a complete stop so he would not miss an exit.
He tried to then move his car into a left-hand lane, forcing cars behind him to brake suddenly and causing a multi-vehicle pile-up.
36-year old Francis Shanley was caught up in the incident, and his vehicle was rear-ended by a truck, causing fatal injuries to the Leitrim native.
The court heard that Omigie left the scene of the crash, and claimed he did not notice the crash, despite the serious nature of the incident.
The court heard that the truck driver who hit Mr Shanley could not have stopped in time, even if he had "superhuman reactions" and even though he had cannabis traces in his bloodstream, he was not able to avoid the collision.
Omigie told the court he was heartbroken and devastated at the crash and that he regretted everything.
Omigie was jailed for three-and-a-half years, for driving his car in a dangerous manner and failing to stop and give assistance.
He will be eligible for parole in April 2023.
