Driver jailed for killing man and dog in hit-and-run

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 13:19 · Archive

Martin Sean O'Lali was sentenced to two years and seven months for causing Richard Boyle's death by careless driving in February 2021.

Martin Sean O'Lali, 28, of Breton Court in Lisburn, has been jailed for two years and seven months for causing the death of Richard Boyle by careless driving. Boyle, 42, was walking his dog on the Stewartstown Road in west Belfast in February 2021 when he was struck by O'Lali's car. Both Boyle and his dog Junior died from their injuries sustained in the hit-and-run.

Belfast Crown Court heard that O'Lali was driving at 90mph in a 30mph zone at the time of the collision. He failed to stop at the scene and failed to report the accident on the same day. The following day, he was convicted of perverting the course of justice after making a false allegation to police that his car and mobile phone had been stolen. O'Lali has since been convicted of speeding twice and was disqualified from driving for three years. He will serve half the sentence in custody before being released on licence.

Richard Boyle's mother Mary said after sentencing that she was 'broken'. 'I've got his ashes, I've got his dog's ashes, pictures on the walls, candles,' she said. 'I talk to him every night. I look at his photograph and talk to him. It's heartbreaking.' Boyle's family described O'Lali in court as 'a hateful, evil person' who had shown 'no remorse'. The judge stated there was 'no sentence that will ever bring Mr Boyle back to his loved ones'.

How it is being reported

• 'It's heartbreaking' - Family of hit-and-run victim speak out as driver jailedRichard Boyle, 42, was walking his dog on the Stewartstown Road in February 2021 when he was hit by a car.BBC Northern Ireland · 9 Oct, 12:57
• Driver who killed man and dog in hit and run caught speeding twice since fatal incident, court hearsMartin Sean O'Lali is to be sentenced for causing the death of Richard Boyle by careless driving on the Stewartstown Road in February 2021Belfast Live · 7 Oct, 14:54

In this story: Martin Sean O'Lali · Richard Boyle · Belfast Crown Court · Stewartstown Road · Belfast

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