Father admits causing death of son, 6, in car crash

The father of a six-year-old boy who died in a car crash in County Londonderry has pleaded guilty to causing his son's death by dangerous driving.

Ethan McCourt died almost a week after he was injured following the crash on roads between the Magherafelt bypass and the Castledawson Roundabout on 20 June 2022.

At Londonderry Crown Court on Thursday his father Declan McCourt, 47, of Bardahessiagh Road in Pomeroy pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

He also admitted a charge of causing the death of his son by driving without a valid licence on the same date.

Defence counsel told the court McCourt had "complete remorse"' for what happened, adding this that this was "a distressing case in the extreme."

Addressing members of the public present in court in connection with this case, judge Roseanne McCormick told them the court offered "sympathy for your loss" and commended them "for your dignity."

McCourt was released on bail, with the case adjourned until 5 November when a date for sentencing is due to be fixed.