Mother and four year-old girl taken to hospital after being hit by car on a beach

A 30 year-old man today pleaded guilty to a hit and run incident on a County Derry beach that left a mother and her four year-old child in hospital.

Paul Doherty of Ballynahone, Fahan, Co Donegal, appeared before Derry Crown Court for his arraignment.

Doherty was charged with two counts of dangerous driving and two counts of driving with excess alcohol in breath.

He was also charged with failing to stop where an accident had and failing to remain at and report an accident where injuries had occurred. Doherty pleaded guilty to all offences.

The incident took place on Benone Beach on July 21, 2013. Doherty was almost two times over the legal drink drive limit when he drove down Benone Beach, striking a mother and her four year-old daughter.

The woman had tried to grab her child out of the way on the beach but Doherty struck them both causing the four year-old to sustain a fractured collarbone and bruising while the mother sustained cuts and bruises.

Police received numerous phone calls and witness statements those on the beach who had witnessed the incident.

Doherty was said to have driven off along the Seacost Road at speeds of up to 70mph, causing other motorists to swerve to avoid him.

A police helicopter found the car was over 20 miles away behind a partially built house on the Baranailt Road near Limavady. The registration plates had been removed and put in the boot of the car. Doherty ran from police but was apprehended after a short pursuit.

Joe Brolly, defence counsel, speaking at the Crown Court arraignment said that Doherty ‘deeply regretted’ what had happened.

The court also heard that Doherty has two previous convictions for dangerous driving in the Republic of Ireland.

Doherty was released on continuing bail and will appear back before Derry Crown Court on March 31.