Francis Donaldson appeared in court charged with death by dangerous driving and said in a statement that it was “never my intention to cause anyone harm except myself”
A female pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run after being hit by a “suicidal” driver trying to take his own life, a court has heard. Raven Adams, 24, died after she was struck by a car in Belfast at around 2.40am on Thursday, July 16.
Francis Donaldson, 22, was visibly upset when he appeared before the city’s magistrates on Friday to face nine charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.
A man who was with Raven was also seriously injured in the hit-and-run incident in the York Street area of the city. Donaldson spoke only to confirm he understood the charges against him. A police officer said he could connect him to the charges.
Dashcam footage shows a white Mazda travelling at speed in Limestone Road, running two red lights before coming on to York Street, mounting the footpath on the opposite side of the road.
Raven, from Tipperary, Ireland, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the man remains in hospital with injuries to his skull, neck, ribs, shoulder and knee. The driver was captured on CCTV leaving the scene on foot.
The court heard the defendant’s mother called police to say he had sent a message to his partner saying he was “suicidal and was going to intentionally crash his car to kill himself”.
He was found in the Cavehill area by police, where the court heard he admitted to being involved in the crash and asked officers whether the two people were dead.
During police interview, Donaldson provided a statement saying he was the driver of the vehicle, was responsible for what happened, and was “having a mental health crisis”.
He also expressed remorse and condolences to the families in a statement that it was “never my intention to cause anyone harm except myself”.
He added: “I accept I am responsible for what happened. I was experiencing a mental health crisis both at the time and in the immediate aftermath of the collision.”
Donaldson was denied bail. The judge said a mental health assessment “is going to be necessary for this young man”. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear in court again in 4 weeks.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.