A 30-year-old woman who crashed her car, causing the death of her two friends, has been given a three-year suspended sentence.
Frances Flanagan, with an address in Church Square in Monaghan, lost control of her car while she was changing a music tape on 18 September 2004.
As she was driving, there was a row over the music that was playing. The court was told that as Flanagan bent down to change the Kylie Minogue tape, she lost control of the car. It crashed through a ditch and dropped down into a field.
Seamus Walsh and Teresa Murray were killed in the accident, which occurred on the main Castleblayney to Monaghan road.
In November of last year, Flanagan was convicted of dangerous driving causing their deaths and of drink driving on the same occasion.
Following her conviction at the original trial, Judge John O'Hagan heard evidence that the defendant had suffered a traumatic childhood and had been the victim of repeated abuse.
She had also tried to take her own life on several occasions.
At today's sentencing hearing, the Judge said Flanagan had never got a chance at life. Although she had previous convictions and had served a prison sentence, she had not got into trouble since the accident.
She was genuinely remorseful for the accident and the Judge said he did not believe prison would be an appropriate punishment in this case.
He sentenced her to three years imprisonment but suspended it on condition she continue to receive counselling and treatment for as long as required.
