Courts / Limerick / Report
Drunk driver who knocked down three elderly men after burglary spree withdraws appeal after warning
Summary
Michael Sheehan, 29, of Cliona Park, Moyross, Limerick, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving that caused serious bodily harm to three elderly men on September 25, 2014, after a burglary spree. The victims were 79‑year‑old former hurler Eric Ryan, who lost a leg; William Barry, a retired Garda in his 70s, who suffered brain bleeding; and Dermot O'Brien, also in his 70s, who escaped injury but later died. Sheehan also pleaded guilty to two burglary counts on the same date and had more than 50 prior convictions. He admitted drinking eight bottles of cider and a naggin of vodka before the incident. Judge Tom O'Donnell sentenced him to five years' imprisonment, with a concurrent 12‑month term for the burglaries, and added a three‑year sentence for a May 2014 burglary. Sheehan had planned to appeal the sentence, but after the Court of Appeal's warning that sentences could be increased, his lawyer withdrew the appeal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drunk driver who knocked down three elderly men after burglary spree withdraws appeal after warning. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to the gentlemen on their way home from regular pitch and putt in Co Clare on September 25, 2014; two counts of burglary on the same date. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- September 25, 2014 Other
- October 1, 2015 Incident
- May 2014 Incident
- 2018-12-10 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to the gentlemen on their way home from regular pitch and putt in Co Clare on September 25, 2014; two counts of burglary on the same date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Tom O'Donnell sentenced Sheehan to five years imprisonment at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court on October 1, 2015. Judge O'Donnell made the five year term consecutive to a three-year sentence he imposed on Sheehan for another burglary in May 2014.
Places mentioned
- Cliona Park
- Limerick
- Limerick Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
Burglary Road Traffic Stage Appeal
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