Courts / Dublin / Report
2.5-year sentence for unlicensed, three-times banned driver who killed cyclist too lenient, DPP argues
Summary
Christopher Coleman, 27, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Eugene Maher, 62, on 30 June 2015. He was sentenced to two‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment and a 15‑year driving disqualification. Coleman had no licence, had previously been disqualified, and had 15 prior convictions including three driving bans. He drove a friend's car, which had been speeding and on the wrong side of the road, and left the scene after the crash. The DPP, citing the severity of the offence and Coleman's lack of licence, seeks a review of the sentence as "unduly lenient". The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment, with a decision expected on 23 February. The case remains at the appeal stage, with no further outcome reported.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 2.5-year sentence for unlicensed, three-times banned driver who killed cyclist too lenient, DPP argues. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Eugene Maher (62) at Clontarf Road, Dublin on June 30th, 2015. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- June 30th, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 23 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 4 Other
- February 23 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-01-31 Publication
Why: It had been driven by his friend to the beach and Coleman drove it back because he had not been drinking. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of Eugene Maher (62) at Clontarf Road, Dublin on June 30th, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment by Judge Melanie Greally on June 23 last. The Director of Public Prosecutions are seeking a review of Coleman's sentence on grounds that it was "unduly lenient".
Places mentioned
- Reuben Street
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Clontarf Road
- Dublin
Topics
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