Northern Ireland

Driver (26) jailed for two-and-half years for killing nurse in crash

Neil McKee (26) was jailed for two-and-a-half years for causing the death of nurse Heather Steele (53) by dangerous driving
Neil McKee (26) was jailed for two-and-a-half years for causing the death of nurse Heather Steele (53) by dangerous driving Neil McKee (26) was jailed for two-and-a-half years for causing the death of nurse Heather Steele (53) by dangerous driving

A Co Antrim man who killed a cardiac nurse in a "horrific" two-car collision has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Neil McKee (26), from Castleburn Road in Carrickfergus, was also banned from driving for seven years for causing the death by dangerous driving of 53-year old Heather Steele.

The former G4S employee, whose main interest in life was said to be cars, was driving a Seat Leon which crashed into Ms Steele's Suzuki Ignis in Carrickfergus at around 8pm on August 27 2014.

Belfast Crown Court heard he was travelling well in excess of the 40mph speed limit on the main Belfast to Carrick Road when he caused the fatal collision at the junction of Castlerocklands Road.

Several witnesses observed McKee's driving just prior to the crash, with one describing the speed as "phenomenal".

Another person whose car was overtaken by McKee estimated the Leon was being driven at speeds between 60-70 mph.

This witness said: "I thought it was being driven so dangerously it was going to kill someone."

It emerged afterwards that McKee's car had been modified to make it more sporty and faster, and that due to this modification his insurance was not valid.

Judge Gordon Kerr said the crash was "solely by the fault of the defendant."

He said both a forensic examination of the scene and the "horrific damage" caused to both cars indicated McKee was driving at an excessive speed.

Judge Kerr also spoke of the devastating loss felt by Ms Steele's family, including her two brothers and her mother, who was 89 when her daughter died.

He described the Greenisland woman - who worked in the Royal Victoria Hospital and had spent time in Nigeria volunteering her skills - as a "dedicated and highly skilled" cardiac nurse.

Handing McKee a five-year sentence - half to be served in jail and half on supervised licence - Judge Kerr added that he came before the court with a clear record and had shown remorse.

It also emerged he has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder due to a combination of his sense of guilt and the stress of court.