Courts / Ireland / Report

DPP seeks to overturn motorist's acquittal for dangerous driving causing death

Date
2018-11-29
Stage
Appeal

Summary

In November 2018 the Court of Appeal heard an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) against the acquittal of a motorist charged with dangerous driving causing the death of another driver in Munster in 2014. The case centred on the accused's car crossing 1.7 metres into the oncoming lane before colliding with the deceased's vehicle. The accused had not been drinking, speeding or using his mobile phone in the 42 minutes before the incident, and no medical, vehicle or environmental factors were found to have contributed. The trial judge had directed the jury to acquit on the basis of insufficient evidence for the charge of dangerous driving causing death, and no alternative charge such as careless driving was considered.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: DPP seeks to overturn motorist's acquittal for dangerous driving causing death. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Case subjects

Unnamed accused

Appellant

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Court of Appeal

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Appeal

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