A newly married couple have withdrawn a joint €120,000 personal injuries claim after their own honeymoon photos undermined their case.
Mr Arthur McInerney, aged 22 years, of Highfield Meadows, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, and Ms MaryMarie McCarthy, aged 21 years, of Cabra Grove, Holycross Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, had alleged they were injured when a Bentley limousine taking them from a wedding to Dublin Airport, was struck on a roundabout near Swords.
According to their claim, Mr McInerney suffered a back injury, while Ms McCarthy claimed she struck her forehead against a rear side window.
However, during cross-examination, their defence barrister produced photos of the couple apparently enjoying activities such as water-slides and a jeep safari, during their honeymoon in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, just hours after the collision. On seeing these images, both individuals withdrew their respective €60,000 compensation claims.
Under questioning, the couple admitted they had taken over-the-counter painkillers to “make the best of the holiday,” and conceded they had not sought medical treatment for up to two months after returning to Ireland.
When Justice, Mr James O’Donohoe, noted there was no visible mark on Ms McCarthy’s forehead in a photo taken on the first night of the honeymoon, she stated that she had covered it with fake tan. The court was told of further photos, including one showing Mr McInerney climbing Croagh Patrick, posted online after their return, which also damaged the couples claim.
Following a brief adjournment, both parties informed the court that their claims were being withdrawn and could be struck out.
The defendant’s insurers did not seek legal costs.
Leave a Reply