Belleek woman to stand trial over tragic crash

A WOMAN is to stand trial on a number of charges relating to a road traffic collision last year in which a pregnant mother-of-one was killed and her mother and young daughter were seriously injured.
Emma Josephine Feely (35) from Blackrock Park, Belleek, but remanded in custody having voluntarily revoked bail, is charged with causing the death of 28-year-old Valerie Amorim, who was six months pregnant, by dangerous driving.
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 displayed.
The incident occurred in the Boa Island Road area of Belleek on February 19 2024.
Standing in the dock of Dungannon Crown Court, Feely wept as she pleaded not guilty to some of the charges, including causing Valeria’s death by dangerous driving and whilst uninsured.
However she admitted driving after consuming excess alcohol.
The remaining matters were not put to her at this time and defence counsel advised these are currently the subject of additional examination by experts instructed on Feely’s behalf.
In terms of the death by dangerous driving charge, the defence said, “We would welcome space to obtain some engineering evidence. From the acceptance of excess alcohol, it can be taken that there’s no question the defendant was driving the vehicle that sadly struck the deceased, While on the face of it the case looks straightforward, it’s anything but.”
Judge Brian Sherrard suggested an adjournment to allow for further enquiries and timetabling however prosecuting counsel replied, “My preference would be to set the matter for trial.”
This was agreed and the case will be mentioned again next month when a trial date is to be fixed.
A police officer previously 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, Feely admitted she had been drinking earlier in the day and was arrested.
While in custody she provided an evidential breath specimen which returned a reading of 63mcg of alcohol, almost double the legal limit.
Bail was not opposed although the officer voiced concerns around Feely returning to her home address which is close to the victims’ residence and there were “issues in the area”.
However, she added a risk assessment had shown while “Tensions are high at present, there is no threat directly at present.”
A defence solicitor said Feely had longstanding issues and expressed concern should she not be permitted to reside in her own home.
While bail was subsequently granted it was on strict terms including an address well away from the home of the victims.