Cork, Ireland: A father whose young son was fatally struck while cycling after a driver failed to stop at a pedestrian crossing controlled by a red light has spoken of the devastating impact of the tragedy, stating he will never overcome the “violence of the impact.”
The incident occurred on August 12, 2023, in Carrigaline, County Cork, when eight-year-old Portuguese national André Castro Ladeiro was killed after being hit by a vehicle driven by John Moynihan (62) of Parkanillane, Kilnamartrya, Macroom. Moynihan pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and was sentenced to three years in prison, with the final year suspended. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for six years.
Father’s Heartbreaking Testimony
At a sentencing hearing in Cork Circuit Criminal Court, André’s father, César Ladeiro, recalled the horrific moment of the crash.
“The bang and him disappearing. I saw it then and every day since. No braking lights on that Ford Ranger Wildtrak. André was just a leaf in the road for that driver.”
Ladeiro, who immediately called emergency services at 9:21 AM, described the chaotic aftermath as bystanders rushed to help. His wife, Filipa Ladeiro, a nurse, checked on André before stepping back, instinctively realizing the gravity of the injuries.
André was initially treated at Cork University Hospital (CUH), where doctors performed emergency surgery to stabilize him. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to Temple Street Hospital in Dublin, where he died four days later, on August 16, 2023.
“On the way to the hospital, I realized how serious this accident was,” César Ladeiro recounted. “At Temple Street, he had a swelling like a basketball. He no longer looked like himself.”
Calls for Justice Amidst Unimaginable Grief
In her victim impact statement, Filipa Ladeiro described the immense pain her family endures daily.
“We live day by day, sometimes hour by hour. André was a joyful child, full of kindness, who made friends easily and loved his school. Now, our younger son, Tomas, who witnessed everything at just five years old, carries an unspeakable burden.”
While acknowledging the importance of justice, César Ladeiro admitted there was “little peace” in seeing the driver behind bars.
“This driver’s actions killed my son. He did not stop at a red light, had no awareness of the road and surroundings, did not try to turn or evade André, and did not do an emergency stop. Before crossing, André waited for the green man.”
Court’s Ruling and Judicial Observations
During sentencing, Judge Dermot Sheehan extended heartfelt condolences to the Ladeiro family, describing the loss of their son as “horrific.”
Judge Sheehan emphasized the increased responsibility of drivers operating large vehicles in urban areas, noting that the Ford Ranger Wildtrak driven by Moynihan was “not just a car, but a pickup truck.”
He highlighted the aggravating factors of the case, particularly that Moynihan failed to stop at a red light and pedestrian crossing despite having a clear line of sight.
“He wasn’t speeding, but he drove through a red light at a pedestrian crossing. He did not brake. There was no sign that he was aware of the pedestrian. That is the key failing in this case.”
While the court acknowledged that Moynihan had no prior convictions, was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and had expressed deep remorse, Judge Sheehan stressed that a custodial sentence was necessary.
A Community in Mourning
André was a beloved student at Owenabue Educate Together School in Carrigaline, where he quickly adapted after his family relocated to Ireland in 2019. His requiem mass was held at Our Lady and St. John’s Church, attended by hundreds of mourners, including schoolmates, teachers, and community members.
During the service, offertory gifts included André’s sports medals and a finger painting of his handprints, symbolizing his vibrant spirit. At the altar, César Ladeiro paid tribute to his son’s short but meaningful life, recalling the profound impact he had on everyone around him.
“He taught us how to be parents, how to live with our hearts outside our bodies, and how to smile every single day. He filled our lives with joy, and now, we are left with an unimaginable void.”
The tragic loss of André Castro Ladeiro serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of reckless driving.
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