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Man whose dangerous driving killed young mother and injured infant appeals 2-year sentence
Summary
Anthony Handley, 64, of Whitethorn Grove, Artane, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving that caused the death of Olivia Dunne, 31, and serious bodily harm to her 15‑week‑old daughter Éabha Dunne in Balbriggan on 17 January 2014. Gardaí say Handley drifted off the road briefly before his off‑road SUV veered and struck the victims. He had no alcohol or drugs in his system. On 10 May 2016 Judge Patrick McCartan sentenced him to two years' imprisonment, citing Handley's good character and blameless record but stressing the need for drivers to remain alert to fatigue. The judge also banned Handley from driving for ten years. Handley has now filed an appeal against the sentence, arguing that the judge over‑emphasised the Road Safety Authority's fatigue campaign and that the evidence of fatigue was limited to Handley's own brief feeling of tiredness fifteen minutes before the incident.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man whose dangerous driving killed young mother and injured infant appeals 2-year sentence. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Olivia Dunne (31) and serious bodily harm to Éabha Dunne in Balbriggan on January 17, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 17, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 10, 2016 Other
- 2017-01-16 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of Olivia Dunne (31) and serious bodily harm to Éabha Dunne in Balbriggan on January 17, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Sentencing Handley to two years imprisonment on May 10, 2016, Judge Patrick McCartan said he was a good man with a blameless record but he should have been alert to the fact that he was becoming tired behind the wheel. He said he was imposing the two year sentence "to send out the clear message to the community that fatigue must be a phenomenon in the minds of all drivers." He also banned Handley from driving for ten years.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence
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