Courts / Meath / Report
Drunk driver who had taken cannabis when he caused death of friend in dangerous car has jail term cut on appeal
Summary
Vincent Cadden, aged 28, was convicted of dangerous driving causing the death of his friend Colm Melia, aged 22, in a car that had been heavily modified for closed‑circuit racing. The fatal incident occurred on 5 October 2014 at Fenner Upper, Oldcastle. Cadden had been over the legal alcohol limit and had consumed cannabis that night. He was sentenced by the Trim Circuit Criminal Court to six years' imprisonment and a ten‑year driving disqualification. On appeal, the Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, reduced the custodial term by suspending the final 18 months, while the driving ban remained in force. The decision was based on Cadden's cooperation, lack of prior convictions, and his remorse, though the court upheld the six‑year headline sentence as appropriate. The case highlighted the vehicle's dangerous modifications and the high speed at which it was travelling. Vincent Cadden pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drunk driver who had taken cannabis when he caused death of friend in dangerous car has jail term cut on appeal. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of his front seat passenger Colm Melia (22) at Fenner Upper, Oldcastle on October 5, 2014. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- October 5, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 17, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-02-06 Publication
Why: Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Carl Hanahoe BL, agreed that Cadden's co-operation was significant because there had been no witnesses. Prosecution account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of his front seat passenger Colm Melia (22) at Fenner Upper, Oldcastle on October 5, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced at Trim Circuit Criminal Court to six years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 10 years by Judge Michael O'Shea on February 17, 2016. Cadden, who was involved in closed circuit racing and whose car was modified for that purpose, had the final 18 months of his sentence suspended today following an appeal.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Appeal
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