Courts / Dublin / Report

Three-times banned driver has sentence increased for causing death of cyclist

Date
2017-02-23

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Christopher Coleman, 27, of Dublin, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for dangerous driving that caused the death of Eugene Maher, 62, on Clontarf Road on 30 June 2015. The Court of Appeal increased the original two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence to six years, suspending the final two years and nine months. Coleman also received a 15‑year driving disqualification. He had previously been disqualified and had no licence at the time of the offence. The prosecution argued the original sentence was too lenient, citing Coleman's speed, failure to stop at a red light, driving while disqualified, leaving the crash scene and lack of insurance. The court noted his guilty plea and remorse, but upheld the increased term with suspension due to mitigating factors. The case remains a criminal proceeding at the appellate level.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Three-times banned driver has sentence increased for causing death of cyclist. 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
2017-02-23 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

Christopher Coleman

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 and was also disqualified from driving for 15 years. The Court of Appeal re-sentenced Coleman today to six years imprisonment with the final two years and nine months suspended.