Courts / Dublin / Report
Teen whose driving left pedestrian with life-long injuries spared jail a second time despite "too lenient" finding
Summary
In 2015, 19‑year‑old Eric Ryan of Cliona Park, Moyross, County Limerick, was found guilty of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to 32‑year‑old Eve Neylon, who required four operations on her pelvis and leg after being struck by Ryan's car while crossing Clanbrassil Street at a green pedestrian light. Ryan also pleaded guilty to failing to offer assistance. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a wholly suspended three‑year sentence for dangerous driving and ordered community service for the failure to assist. The Director of Public Prosecutions sought a review on the grounds of an unduly lenient sentence. The Court of Appeal, sitting with Justices Mahon, Birmingham and Sheehan, upheld the suspended sentence but added conditions: a €50 weekly payment to the National Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation for 18 months, further community service under a local school principal, supervision by probation services, and good behaviour for 18 months.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Teen whose driving left pedestrian with life-long injuries spared jail a second time despite "too lenient" finding. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Eve Neylon at Clanbrassil Street Upper, Dublin on 6 February, 2015; failing to offer assistance. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- 6 February Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-02-06 Publication
Why: Ryan will be required to pay €50 per week to the National Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, in Dun Laoghaire, for 18 months – a "significant penalty" for him, Mr Justice Mahon said, because Ryan is on social welfare and has "no immediate prospects" of employment. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Eve Neylon at Clanbrassil Street Upper, Dublin on 6 February, 2015; failing to offer assistance (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 failing to offer assistance. Mr Justice Mahon, who sat with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, imposed a new three year suspended sentence on conditions.
Places mentioned
- Cliona Park
- Clanbrassil Street
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- South Circular Road
- National Rehabilitation Hospital
Topics
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