Courts / Kildare / Report

"Brutal violence of his death shocked me to my core": widow of Kildare councillor

Date
2017-05-03

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Kildare

County
Kildare

Summary

In December 2015, 29‑year‑old Damien Klasinski, a Polish native, was driving on Eyre Street, Newbridge, when he struck and killed 56‑year‑old Kildare councillor Willie Crowley. Klasinski was speeding, did not brake or sound his horn, and fled the scene. He was later arrested after hiding in a friend's house. Crowley died from head injuries at Naas Hospital a few days later. Klasinski pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and faces a custodial sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The court heard that Klasinski had 13 prior traffic convictions, had been disqualified from driving in 2016, and had a history of drunk driving. Witnesses described the impact as sending Crowley airborne, and the road was wet with poor lighting. The judge noted Klasinski's speed was far above the 50 km/h limit, possibly up to 80 km/h, and adjourned sentencing to 12 May.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Brutal violence of his death shocked me to my core": widow of Kildare councillor. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

December 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
December 15, 2015 Incident
May 12 Adjournment
June 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
November 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
February 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
February 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
15th December 2015 Other
Friday December 18th Other
December 23rd Other
Christmas Other
Christmas day Other
2017-05-03 Publication

Why: He told them he was hiding because he was scared. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed accused

Convicted Person

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; (Pictured: Widow of the late Cllr Willie Crowley, Claire Doyle, leaves court today after the sentence hearing of Damian Klasinski.; She adjourned the case to May 12 next for sentence.