Courts / Dublin / Report

Unaccompanied learner over speed limit when he caused death of teen boy

Summary

A 21‑year‑old unaccompanied learner driver, Gareth Jones, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of 16‑year‑old Paul McCormack on Tolka Valley Road, Finglas, on 26 June 2015. Jones was driving a Toyota Avnesis at an estimated 70–80 km/h in a 50 km/h zone when he swerved to avoid three of the boy's friends who were crossing the road. He hit Paul, who had turned back toward the opposite side of the road. The collision left Paul with catastrophic brain injuries and he died at Mater Hospital. Jones had two minor previous convictions and was a provisional licence holder without a qualified driver in the car. The court heard a fault in the vehicle's ABS braking system, but there was no indication Jones was aware of it. All drug and alcohol tests were clear. The case was adjourned to 20 October for sentencing, with a maximum term of two years imprisonment.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Unaccompanied learner over speed limit when he caused death of teen boy. Charges or matters: careless driving causing the death of Paul McCormack at Tolka Valley Road, Finglas on June 26, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• June 26, 2015 Incident
• October 20th Adjournment
• 2016-10-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report