Father admits causing death of six-year-old son in car crash

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 15:02 · Archive

A father has pleaded guilty to causing the death of his six-year-old son by dangerous driving in County Londonderry in June 2022.

Declan McCourt, 47, of Bardahessiagh Road in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, has pleaded guilty to causing the death of his six-year-old son Ethan McCourt by dangerous driving. He also admitted a charge of causing death by driving without a valid licence. The crash occurred on 20 June 2022 on roads between the Magherafelt bypass and the Castledawson Roundabout in County Londonderry. Ethan died almost a week after sustaining injuries in the crash.

At Londonderry Crown Court on Thursday, McCourt's defence counsel told the judge that he had 'complete remorse' for what happened, describing the case as 'distressing in the extreme'. Judge Roseanne McCormick expressed her sympathy to family members present in court, commending them 'for the dignity you have demonstrated in court today'.

McCourt was released on continuing bail. The judge noted this should not be taken as an indication of the sentence that would ultimately be imposed. Sentencing is due to be fixed on 5 November.

How it is being reported

• Ethan McCourt: Man pleads guilty to causing death of son, 6, in crashThe defendant further pleaded guilty to driving without a licence, also on June 20, 2022Belfast Live · 15 Oct, 14:35
• Father admits causing death of son, 6, in car crashEthan McCourt died almost a week after he was injured following the crash in June 2022.BBC Northern Ireland · 15 Oct, 12:33

In this story: Declan McCourt · Ethan McCourt · County Londonderry · Pomeroy · Londonderry Crown Court · Judge Roseanne McCormick

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