Fatal Collision Claims Life of Pregnant Mother in County Fermanagh
Valeria Amorim, who was six months pregnant, tragically died after being struck by a car while walking with her daughter and mother in County Fermanagh.
A 37-year-old woman has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for causing the death of the pregnant mother.
Valeria Amorim, aged 29, was fatally injured when she was hit on Boa Island Road, Belleek, in County Fermanagh on 19 February 2024.
Emma Josephine Feely, residing at Blackrock Park in Belleek, pleaded guilty to causing Valeria's death by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol. Feely also admitted to driving without a licence or insurance.
Feely appeared at Dungannon Crown Court on Monday and was emotional throughout the hearing.
The court was informed of her "bitter regret" regarding the actions that led to the collision.
"Not a day goes past that she is not thinking of her role in this, of her reckless actions and her decision to get behind the wheel."
Evidence presented revealed that Feely had been consuming alcohol throughout the day, having drunk four and a half pints before driving a white Kia Rio through Belleek.
Valeria was walking alongside her nine-year-old daughter, Valentina, and her mother, Wanda, when they were struck from behind by Feely's vehicle.
Valeria was pregnant with her unborn child, Chloe, who also died as a result of the collision.
The collision occurred on Boa Island Road, Belleek on 19 February 2024.
Initially, Feely denied the charges but voluntarily revoked her bail in January 2025 and subsequently changed her plea to guilty in November 2025.
Valeria’s husband and brother attended the sentencing hearing, with the proceedings relayed to them via a translator.
Sentencing and Victim Impact Statements
During sentencing, Judge Richard Green described the victim impact statements from Valeria’s husband and mother as "very moving," highlighting their profound devastation.
"Marcello Fernandes spoke eloquently and lovingly about his wife and their plans for the future."
"Wanda Amorim described her as a loving and caring daughter with whom she shared a close bond."
Judge Green acknowledged the remorse demonstrated by Feely, who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a consequence of the collision.
The judge noted her guilty plea and genuine regret, as evidenced by her decision to revoke her own bail.
"I can see that the pain she has caused this family, the suffering she has caused, is something that she deeply and bitterly regrets."
Feely was sentenced to nine and a half years for death by dangerous driving, which was reduced to six years and three months due to her guilty plea.
She will serve half of the sentence in custody and the remainder on licence.
Additionally, Feely received a 12-month sentence for driving without a full licence, 12 months for driving without valid insurance, and four months for driving over the legal alcohol limit.
Judge Green ordered that all sentences run concurrently.
Feely was also disqualified from driving for six years.
