AN UNLICENCED, uninsured driver who was driving while unfit through drugs has been found guilty of causing the death of a ‘loving’ Irish father.
William Joseph Corrigan, 38, who was originally from Birr, Co. Offaly, was struck by a car in Bedford, England in February as he walked to the shops.
Emergency services attended the scene, but the father-of-three and stepfather of four was sadly pronounced dead.
Today, Carl Lawrence, 39, of Church Lane, was convicted of causing the death of the gifted musician by driving whilst unfit through drugs.
Returned to observe scene
Lawence, who had borrowed the silver Vauxhall Meriva from his partner without her consent, realised he had collided with something but drove away.
He then returned to observe the scene before fleeing, however witnesses noticed the returning vehicle and reported seeing damage consistent with a collision.
When the damaged car was traced to his home an hour later, Lawrence said he believed he had collided with a dog.
He tested positive for drugs on arrest.
Consequences
“This was a tragic incident in which a popular family man had his life cut short,” said Sergeant Paul Stanbridge, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit.
“Although it cannot bring him back, we hope the verdict today may bring some comfort to Mr Corrigan’s family.
William Corrigan was a gifted musician (Image: Corrigan Family)“Those who make the decision to drive a vehicle other than in accordance with the law must accept the consequences.”
Mr Corrigan’s family previously appealed through The Irish Post for help in tracing his beloved banjo, which he had wanted to be buried with.
Popular
Paying tribute to him, they said:“William Joseph was a loving husband, dad, son and brother.
“He loved his music and was a gifted banjo player.
“He was hugely popular in the local area and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”
Lawrence has already pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated vehicle taking, causing death by careless driving, causing death whilst driving with no insurance and causing death whilst driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
He will be sentenced on October 12.
