I'M GUILTY; Nurse admits causing five road deaths.

Byline: BY LINDA MCGRORY

A PSYCHIATRIC nurse who killed five friends in a car crash admitted death by dangerous driving yesterday.

Brendan Henderson changed his plea at Letterkenny Circuit Court more than three years after the horror smash.

Henderson admitted causing the deaths of Gavin Duffy, Darren Quinn, Charlene O'Connor, all 21, David Steele, 23, and 22-year-old Rochelle Peoples.

The 50-year-old, from Derry's Waterside, crashed into the car the five were travelling in at Quigley's Point, Co Donegal, in the early hours of October 8, 2005.

All five were from the Inishowen peninsula where the crash happened.

Henderson, who has used a wheelchair since the accident, was first charged with the offence in April last year when he entered a not guilty plea. Judge John O'Hagan told the victims' families he hoped Henderson's change of plea would now help them get on with their lives.

Judge O'Hagan said: "No doubt there will be a certain amount of closure in that someone has admitted responsibility for what happened."

Gavin's mum Annette, who acts as spokeswoman for the families, described their sense of "surprise and relief" at the defendant's guilty plea.

Ms Duffy said it was a good day for their children's memory but she also acknowledged the defendant's decision to admit the charge.

She added: "It will be a difficult time for him and his family but fair dues to him for accepting responsibility for the accident.

"Hopefully, it will help him in the long run."

Ms Duffy also expressed the families' hopes the five inquests would follow in due course.

Henderson was remanded on continuing bail to facilitate the preparation of medical and probation reports.

It is thought he will be sentenced in April.

CAPTION(S):

COURT Brendan Henderson changed his plea yesterday; KILLED Gavin Duffy was 21 when he died; KILLED Pretty Rochelle Peoples; KILLED Charlene O'Connor was 21; KILLED David Steele was oldest at age 23; KILLED Passenger Darren Quinn