Family of boy killed in a 2023 Cork crash express subdued relief as the driver receives a 3-year sentence.
Cesar Ladeiro’s son, Andrè, died in August 2023 after being hit by a truck in Carrigaline. The driver was sentenced last week, and Cesar felt a small bit of relief. Cesar wonders if three years is enough. One year of the sentence is suspended. He hopes other families get justice, but he cannot answer if it’s truly fair.
John Moynihan, 62, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving on Cork Road in August 2023. He wished he could undo it and would help the boy’s family. Cesar said they never got an apology from Moynihan or his team. Friends and doctors apologized to the family.
He avoids thinking about the driver, because it makes him too angry, and seeing things on the road brings back memories. He remembers Andrè near the truck. The family felt relief at the sentencing. Cesar said it happened this week.
They feel some relief after a long wait because they wanted justice in Ireland. He was convicted, even though he admitted it, and seeing him go to prison felt good. Tomas is Andrè’s younger brother. He often asked about the man as the case moved forward. Tomas asked if he was in prison and called him the “bad guy.”
Cesar said they always said “not yet.” They hoped it would happen for Andrè, and justice for the future motivated him. Future cases should be handled equally for other families, not just his.
Cesar recalled the day Andrè died. They planned to drop the boys at camp and he woke up early, while Andrè and Tomas woke up later. He walked the dog, letting their mom sleep a bit longer, on that sunny Saturday morning.
They planned to cycle that day, which was like many other days. César and Filipa Ladeiro went to court; they often cycled with their sons, making trips to nearby towns.
Andrè was ahead, wanting to push a button for the pedestrian crossing. The light took long to change. Cesar confirmed he pressed it, and the car lights turned red. André was not riding alone usually; Cesar was always nearby. But this morning, he was ahead.
Normally, Andrè was beside him. There was no car close by. He began crossing once the light beeped for him, and then, the pickup truck appeared suddenly. Cesar saw his son and bike vanish. His wife helped, using her nursing skills, but she could not do much more. Andrè fought for five days in hospital, and then he passed away.
They wake up hoping it’s just a dream, like the movie Sixth Sense. They wanted it to be them, not Andrè. Cesar focuses on his family now. They had a new son six months ago, so Tomas can now be a role model.
Mr. Moynihan had no prior convictions and wasn’t speeding or drunk, but he failed to stop at the crossing. He drove about 35-37 KPH in a 50 KPH zone. The judge knew he had stress and that Moynihan was known for kindness and would not repeat this ever, but a sentence was important. Moynihan has four kids and two grandkids. He runs a crane company. He knew what he did was awful and felt very sorry about it. Friends said he helps everyone.