Antrim footballer Kavan Keenan has admitted causing serious injury to a pedestrian in a hit-and-run incident. The 26-year-old pleaded guilty to multiple charges at Antrim Crown Court related to the October 2024 collision.
Kavan Keenan Admits Guilt in Hit-and-Run Case
Keenan, from Millfield, Ballymena in Co Antrim, admitted causing grievous bodily injury by driving carelessly on Glenravel Road in Martinstown on October 26, 2024. He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, failing to report an accident, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident that resulted in injury.
Prosecuting counsel Suzanne Gallagher requested that charges of aggravated vehicle theft and failing to stop be left on the books. The charges stem from an incident where Keenan struck a pedestrian while driving a Peugeot Partner van on Glenravel Road shortly before 9 p.m. on October 26, 2024.
The pedestrian, a woman in her 30s, sustained “potentially life-changing” injuries, according to reports at the time. The van allegedly used in the hit-and-run was later recovered and found to have frontal damage.
Ms. Gallagher requested a mandatory disqualification from driving, which defense counsel Patrick Taggart acknowledged would likely occur upon sentencing. However, Mr. Taggart argued against an immediate ban, citing Keenan’s full-time employment and the potential risk to his job.
Judge Peter Irvine declined to impose an immediate driving ban. He confirmed he would consider a pre-sentence report from the Probation Board, and Ms. Gallagher stated she would provide a victim statement and expert medical reports, which were originally obtained for parallel civil proceedings.
Keenan, who plays for Antrim and All Saints Gaelic Athletic Club, was released on continuing bail. Judge Irvine scheduled a sentencing hearing for February 6.
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