Bail refused for man accused of dangerous driving incident that killed Kildare father-of-two
The Wicklow PeopleA judge has refused a renewed bail application by a man accused of dangerous driving causing death, noting the seriousness of the charge and concerns raised by the prosecution regarding the accused’s ties to the jurisdiction.
Tarieli Schatz (37), formerly of the Grand Hotel, Abbey Street, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow, and now with an address at Willow Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, appeared before a special sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for a renewed bail application.
The court was told of the history of the accused’s previous bail application, which had been granted in the District Court. The High Court had also granted bail under strict conditions, with alterations made to the District Court conditions. These included that he remain of sober habits, abide by a curfew, surrender his passport, and sign on at Clondalkin Garda Station.
Judge Martina Baxter remarked that it would be unusual to reduce an independent surety after Mr Schatz had his charge upgraded. He was originally charged with careless driving causing the death of Kildare man John Maher, but is now facing a charge of dangerous driving causing death.
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Sergeant Simon Whelan, the lead investigating garda, testified that his main concern was that Mr Schatz posed a flight risk, with zero ties to the jurisdiction. The court was told that a deportation order had been issued and that Mr Schatz was due to be removed from the State on July 8, 2025, six days after the death of Mr Maher.
In his evidence, Sgt Whelan alleged that the defendant is a Georgian national who speaks Russian and holds a Lithuanian passport. He added that since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Georgia no longer has an extradition treaty with Ireland.
Mr Schatz was previously deported from Austria, where his child lives, he was also removed from his former IPAS accommodation due to fighting the court was told.
Some background to the incident was also provided, with the court hearing that the defendant tested positive for cannabis following the incident which led to Mr Maher, a father-of-two from Co. Kildare, being fatally struck by a Thwaites front dumper.
Mr Schatz was also removed from his former IPAS accommodation due to fighting, the court was told.
Mr Maher’s wife was present in court, with Judge Baxter offering her sympathies.
The court was informed that the High Court granted bail on conditions, including a bond of €5,000, with €2,500 to be paid. An independent surety of €7,000 was also required, with €5,000 to be lodged.
Counsel for Mr Schatz, Eoin Gallagher BL, instructed by Michael O’Connor, said his only issue was that an independent surety would not be possible, but that Mrs Schatz has the €7,500 cash available.
Sgt Whelan argued that the cash element could been obtained through a form of crowdfunding and that the point of a surety is that if the accused fails to appear, the surety would answer for it, which he said would be impossible with 100 separate donors.
Mr Gallagher told the court that he understood losing a spouse was traumatic, but stressed that his client is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Judge Baxter stated that counsel for the accused could have reapplied in the High Court after three months had elapsed. She remarked that the jury would be advised to leave emotion at the door, but refused the application, noting the defendant’s previous transient lifestyle travelling across Europe.
Judge Baxter remanded Mr Schatz in custody to appear before Wicklow Circuit Court on January 13, 2025, via video link.