Courts / Dublin / Report

Garda goes on trial accused of dangerous driving causing death

Date
2018-12-07

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A 35‑year‑old Garda, Warren Farrell, is on trial for dangerous driving that caused the death of Elizabeth Core in 2014. Farrell was driving a marked patrol car responding to a panic button call at a Topaz garage when the vehicle struck Core, who was crossing the road. The patrol car's emergency lights were on but the siren was off to allow communication with command. Farrell allegedly applied the brakes and entered the bus lane, causing the car to mount the footpath and the front left tyre to burst. The right side of the car hit Core, who was pushed onto the vehicle. She was taken to hospital, received medical attention, but was pronounced dead shortly after. A state pathologist concluded her death was caused by head and chest trauma from the vehicular impact. Farrell pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The trial continues before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda goes on trial accused of dangerous driving causing death. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Core at Fonthill Road South on August 28, 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

August 28, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
2018-12-07 Publication

Why: The emergency lights of the patrol car were activated but the siren was de-activated in order to allow the garda passenger to communicate with "command and control". CNI source report