Teenager Shane Patton was killed in 2012 following a fatal collision with Eamon Lynch’s car.
In July 2012, Eamon Lynch fatally collided with the car of Shane Patton. Mr Lynch was under the influence of alcohol, driving at speeds that averaged 100mph and he had no insurance or driving licence.
According to the BBC, Lynch had 483 convictions before the incident – including charges of drunk driving, burglary and driving without the possession of an NCT.
On the night of the fatal collision, Lynch and his partner were reportedly travelling on the Ballbofey to Letterkenny road, where he crashed into the side of Patton’s vehicle. Mr Patton was rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital but was later declared dead.
Lynch has now been sentenced to 18 months in prison for the crime.
Speaking on BBC’s Evening Extra programme, Mr Patton’s mother said that her family is heartbroken.
“He was my first born. He lived life to the full. He just wanted everyone to be happy and enjoy life. He told me his biggest fear on the roads was drunk drivers, because they have no regard for anyone else”, she said.
Mrs Patton also described the sentence as “very lenient” and said she hopes that Shane’s death will encourage the Irish authorities to impose heavier sentences on drink-driving offenders.
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