Posted online: Nov 24th, 2009

By Marianne Craig
Reporter

The mother of man killed by a hit and run driver said she is now planning to appeal the two year sentence handed down to the man.
Andrew McGlinchey of Cornshell fields was given two years in prison and two years probation at Derry Crown Court last week for causing the death by dangerous driving of David Leo Brennan on the Madam’s Bank Road seven months ago.
David’s mum Denise, who collapsed in court when McGlinchey was sentenced, said it was ‘a slap in the face’.
“McGlinchey was facing eight charges in relation to David’s death and we thought he’s be put away for 25 years,” she said.
“I fainted after that, it was just like getting the phone call saying my son was dead all over again.”
The Brennan family are now planning to appeal the sentence.
“We won’t accept this,” said Mrs Brennan. Where is David’s justice?
“We have no closure and we can’t put this behind us now.”
“If that judge was taken to the scene of a hit and run like I was and seen these drivers do he wouldn’t be so lenient.
“This has sent a message out to the joyriders that they can kill someone and just spend two years in jail.
Mrs Brennan said her family would like to extend their sympathy to the family of Martin Gallagher who was killed in a hit and run accident on the Racecourse Road on Halloween night.
“I want Mr and Mrs Gallagher to know that they are not on their own,” she added.
“Unless this happens to you it’s hard to describe what it’s like.
“We know how they feel and we are thinking about them.”