THE FORMER Irish rugby international Eddie Halvey has received a seven-month suspended sentence after he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol and careless driving.
Halvey was also disqualified from driving for seven years at the Circuit Court in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, yesterday.
The charges related to a road incident causing the death of 16-year-old Kevin Walsh at Coole, outside Toomevara, in Co Tipperary, in April 2006.
Halvey had previously been charged with dangerous driving causing death.
Yesterday the court heard that forensic difficulties had emerged in the case and the DPP had accepted the lesser charge of careless driving.
Addressing Kevin Walsh’s mother, Kate Walsh, in court, Halvey said he was truly sorry for what he had done to her and her family. He said he did not expect forgiveness.
In her victim impact statement, Ms Walsh said her son had been cruelly cheated of his life.
Speaking outside the courtroom yesterday, she said she was disappointed with the outcome of the case.
“I feel very bitter towards Eddie Halvey. Just because Eddie Halvey is a sportsman and played for Ireland he got a slap on the wrist in court today.
“It sent out the wrong message to everyone in Ireland today.
Go out, play sports, drink drive, you can kill someone and you won’t get punished in court for it,” she said.
Halvey was over twice the legal alcohol limit when his vehicle crashed into the rear of a car carrying Kevin Walsh.
The court heard the car had pulled in to avoid cattle on the road when it was struck from behind.
Former rugby international Mick Galwey spoke on behalf of Halvey, saying that he was remorseful and was now a different man.
Halvey’s counsel said he had been on anti-depressants following the crash and there had been an issue of self-harm.
