Courts / Dublin / Report
Family of Eugene Maher call for introduction of vehicular manslaughter charge
Summary
In a Court of Appeal hearing on 23 February 2017, Christopher Coleman, aged 27, received an additional nine‑month custodial sentence for the fatal collision with 62‑year‑old cyclist Eugene Maher in June 2015. Coleman, who had been banned from driving for six years and was driving without insurance at reckless speeds, was described by Maher's family as having acted recklessly and carelessly. Eugene Maher's daughter Lisa urged that the offence be treated as vehicular manslaughter, equating it with a gun or fist killing, and said the family would continue to lobby for a harsher charge. Maher's widow Marie reflected on her husband's long‑standing safe driving habits and the profound loss she feels, while Lisa expressed a desire to forgive Coleman and hope he learns from his mistakes. The court's decision added to the existing sentence, extending Coleman's imprisonment by nine months.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Family of Eugene Maher call for introduction of vehicular manslaughter charge. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- June 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-02-23 Publication
Places mentioned
- Reuben Street
- Dublin
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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