Drunk driver fails in appeal against 5-year jail term for causing death

A man from Ballina in County Mayo has failed in his appeal against a five-year custodial sentence for causing a fatal collision while driving under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. Declan Moran pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Martin Wynne, a motorcyclist, on the N26 near Ballinahaglish on 8 May 2016. He also admitted leaving the scene. Moran had attempted an illegal U-turn whilst impaired and collided with Mr Wynne's motorcycle, resulting in fatal injuries. A urine sample taken hours after the incident revealed alcohol levels nearly three times the legal limit. The Court of Appeal upheld the six-year sentence, with the final year suspended, finding the culpability serious and the previous drink-driving conviction a significant aggravating factor.