Belfast Driver Allegedly Drank 12 Beers Before Hitting Three Children
A driver in Belfast allegedly consumed as many as twelve cans of beer before getting behind the wheel and driving over three young children who were playing on a footpath, leaving them trapped beneath his vehicle. The shocking incident, which occurred in the Black Ridge Gardens area of the city, has led to serious criminal charges against 37-year-old Thomas Maughan.
Children Suffer Serious Injuries in Alleged Hit and Run
Prosecutors detailed in court that two girls and a boy, aged five, six, and seven, were playing on the pavement when a car reversed out of a neighbouring property and drove directly over them. The children became trapped under the vehicle, with one sustaining a fractured pelvis and tyre marks, while another suffered cuts and bruises. All three were rushed to hospital for treatment of potentially severe injuries.
According to the Crown counsel, Maughan allegedly fled the scene on foot without checking on the condition of the children. He was later arrested after being spotted at the end of the street in a taxi that was blocked by emergency service vehicles. During police interviews, Maughan admitted to driving with excess alcohol and failing to stop following the collision.
Driver's Account and Bail Conditions
Maughan told authorities that he began drinking at an engagement party the night before and continued into the day of the accident, consuming approximately twelve beers. He claimed he drove to visit a family member in the area and, upon leaving, saw no one nearby but then heard children screaming. He stated he reversed the car in an attempt to lessen the impact and free them, though prosecutors presented CCTV footage contradicting this, showing him driving over the children, reversing back over them, and parking without checking their welfare.
Maughan faces charges including driving with excess alcohol, causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving, and failing to stop, report, or remain at the scene of the accident on August 24 last year. He had been granted bail previously but returned to custody last month for allegedly breaching an alcohol ban. In a recent bail hearing, Mr Justice Simpson granted him bail again but issued a stern warning: if Maughan is found to have consumed alcohol again, he will not receive another chance.
The case continues as the community grapples with the severity of the alleged offences and the ongoing legal proceedings at Laganside Crown Court in Belfast.
