A woman who appeared in court after her vehicle struck and killed an expectant mother in Co Fermanagh and seriously injured two other members of her family, was over the legal alcohol limit and was an unaccompanied learner driver.
Emma Josephine Feely (34) from Blackrock Park, Belleek is charged with causing the death by dangerous driving of Valeria Amorim (28), who was six months pregnant.
She is further accused of causing grievous bodily harm to her mother and young daughter also by dangerous driving, as well as driving after consuming excess alcohol, having no driving licence, being an unaccompanied learner driver and having no L plates.
The incident occurred in the Boa Island Road area of Belleek on February 19.
Feely appeared by video-link Dungannon Magistrates Court from police custody and spoke only to confirm her identity and that she understood the charges.
A police officer explained Valeria and her mother and daughter were pedestrians when Feely’s car struck them from behind.
Valeria died at the scene while the other victims were badly injured.
When police arrived at the scene Feely admitted she had been drinking earlier in the day and was arrested.
While in custody she provided an evidential breath specimen returned a reading of 63mcg of alcohol.
A defence solicitor said the defendant: “Expresses her deep condolences and remorse to the family.”
The judge stated: “Not surprisingly the defendant is in a very distressed state and I believe she can be released on bail but it must be to an address well away from the home of the victims.”
Feely is banned from contacting a passenger who was traveling with her at the time of the collision and is considered and eye-witness.
There is to be no contact with any of the victims’ family and she is banned from entering Belleek.
In addition she must not be in possess alcohol or be intoxicated in public and must engage with all requisite support services.
The case will return to Enniskillen Magistrates Court next month.