Urgent Update: Woman Receives Suspended Sentence for Rugby Star’s Death

URGENT UPDATE: A North Antrim woman has been handed a suspended prison sentence for causing the death of former rugby international and convicted paedophile David Tweed. Anne Broughton, aged 71, was sentenced today at Antrim Crown Court after admitting to the careless driving incident that resulted in Tweed’s fatal injuries on October 28, 2021.

In a striking statement, Judge Philip Gilpin revealed that had Broughton not pleaded guilty, she would have faced a full 10-month jail sentence. Instead, her sentence was reduced to 8 months, which has been suspended for a year due to her clear driving record. In addition, Broughton has been banned from driving for 12 months but will not be required to retake her driving test.

The tragic incident unfolded on the Whitepark Road when Broughton, while overtaking, failed to see Tweed’s motorcycle approaching from behind her. Witnesses reported seeing the crash, which resulted in Tweed’s motorcycle colliding with Broughton’s vehicle, leading to his death on the scene. The court heard that Broughton believed she had merely clipped a post until she discovered Tweed’s body in a field nearby.

Prosecutor Ciaran Murphy detailed the circumstances leading to the accident, emphasizing that Broughton had not properly checked her mirrors before attempting to overtake. An expert forensic engineer confirmed that her vehicle had likely moved into the oncoming lane at the critical moment of the collision.

Judge Gilpin stated that Broughton’s failure to conduct proper safety checks contributed directly to the tragic loss of life. He extended condolences to Tweed’s family, highlighting the deep impact of his death on them, as expressed in heart-wrenching victim impact statements shared in court. The judge noted the family’s feeling of being “robbed” of Tweed’s presence, remarking that they miss his vibrant personality and will always feel the void left by his passing.

David Tweed, known for his rugby career with Ireland, also served as a DUP councillor and was embroiled in controversy after being convicted of multiple counts of sexual offenses against minors in 2012. Though he served four years of an eight-year sentence, his convictions were later quashed by the Court of Appeal due to prejudicial trial conduct.

The sentencing today has sparked discussions about road safety and the consequences of careless driving, emphasizing the need for vigilance behind the wheel. Authorities and community members continue to reflect on the devastating effects of such incidents.

As this story develops, the focus will remain on the implications of this case for road safety and the legal repercussions of similar incidents.