Courts / Kildare / Report
4-year jail sentence for unlicensed, uninsured driver who knocked down and killed Kildare councillor Willie Crowley
Summary
In December 2015, Damien Klasinski, a 29‑year‑old Polish driver, struck and killed Kildare councillor Willie Crowley, 56, while walking home from a pub. Klasinski fled the scene, later confessing to Gardaí and pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death. He was arrested after passengers reported him. The court found him had no licence or insurance, had previously been convicted for driving offences, and had driven at speeds up to 80 km/h on a wet, poorly lit street. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to five and a half years, suspended the last 18 months, and imposed a ten‑year driving disqualification. The sentence reflected the seriousness of his failure to remain at the scene and the lack of insurance, while acknowledging his guilty plea and remorse. The ruling was delivered at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 4-year jail sentence for unlicensed, uninsured driver who knocked down and killed Kildare councillor Willie Crowley. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Crowley on Eyre Street, Newbridge. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 2015 Other
- December 15, 2015 Other
- February 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- Christmas Other
- 2017-05-12 Publication
Why: He told them he was hiding because he was scared. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Crowley on Eyre Street, Newbridge (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: In June 2016 Klasinski was disqualified from driving for two years for driving without insurance in November 2015.; Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case earlier this month.
Convicted Person
Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Crowley on Eyre Street, Newbridge (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Willie Crowley in December 2015 has been jailed for four years.; Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case earlier this month.
Places mentioned
Topics
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