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Error in teen's wholly suspended sentence for dangerous driving that left woman with life-long injuries, court finds

Date
2017-01-13
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

The Court of Appeal found an error in a wholly suspended three‑year sentence imposed on 19‑year‑old Eric Ryan for dangerous driving that caused serious bodily harm to 32‑year‑old Eve Neylon. Ryan had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and leaving the scene. The sentence, given by Judge Patricia Ryan, was wholly suspended and required community service for leaving the scene. The Director of Public Prosecutions sought a review, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient, citing Ryan's provisional licence, lack of a supervising driver, and his father's influence. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, held that the case was of such seriousness that the sentence had to be varied. The court ordered Ryan to pay a weekly contribution to the National Rehabilitation Centre for 12 months and to provide firm proposals for community service, with the matter to be reconvened on 6 February.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Error in teen's wholly suspended sentence for dangerous driving that left woman with life-long injuries, court finds. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Eve Neylon at Clanbrassil Street Upper, Dublin on 6 February, 2015; leaving the scene. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Case subjects

Eric Ryan

Defendant

Charges: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Eve Neylon at Clanbrassil Street Upper, Dublin on 6 February, 2015; leaving the scene (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He was given a wholly suspended three year sentence for dangerous driving by Judge Patricia Ryan and ordered to undertake community service for leaving the scene. The Director of Public Prosecutions sought a review of Ryan's sentence today on grounds that it was "unduly lenient".

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Residence
  • Cliona Park
  • Clanbrassil Street
Journey Or Route
Address Area
  • South Circular Road

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Appeal

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