Courts / Dublin / Report
Sentencing delayed over previous convictions of driver who caused death of best friend
Summary
Kevin McCarthy, aged 23, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of 21‑year‑old Thomas Carroll on the N81 near Brittas on 29 May 2014. The sentencing hearing was delayed because the court may not have received a complete record of McCarthy's 73 prior convictions, including 14 for failing to produce insurance proof and 18 for failing to produce a licence. Prosecutor Diarmuid Collins requested time to obtain a full record, citing possible incomplete or inaccurate information. McCarthy, who was 20 at the time of the crash, drove the vehicle at an estimated 100‑120 km/h, although the speed limit was 60 km/h. The crash involved the car flipping twice and spinning about ten times before stopping on the wrong side of the road. McCarthy expressed remorse, stating he had no intention to harm anyone and that Thomas was a best friend.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sentencing delayed over previous convictions of driver who caused death of best friend. Charges or matters: one count of dangerous driving causing the death of 21-year-old Thomas Carroll on the N81 near Brittas, Co Wicklow on May 29, 2014; driving without insurance in September 2015, over a year after the death of his friend. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- May 29, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-03-28 Publication
Why: By Isabel Hayes and Conor Gallagher The sentencing of a young man whose dangerous driving caused the death of his best friend has been delayed because the court may not have heard a full record of his previous convictions. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: one count of dangerous driving causing the death of 21-year-old Thomas Carroll on the N81 near Brittas, Co Wicklow on May 29, 2014; driving without insurance in September 2015, over a year after the death of his friend (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; I miss him terribly." McCarthy sat with his head bowed and wiped his eyes several times during the sentence hearing.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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