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Crash investigator gives evidence at garda's trial

Summary

During a trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, defence expert Adrian Armstrong testified that Garda Warren Farrell, a 35‑year‑old patrol officer, could have avoided the fatal collision with Elizabeth Core if he had slowed his marked car when he first saw her crossing Fonthill Road South. Armstrong reviewed the 2016 collision report prepared by Garda Edward Davin, which estimated the vehicle's speed at impact to be between 56 and 58 km/h, above the 50 km/h speed limit. He noted that the windscreen damage suggested a speed closer to 50 km/h and that the distance Core was projected after impact could not be precisely measured, making the speed calculation uncertain. Armstrong argued that Farrell had less than 200 metres to react and that, even at a speed of 70 km/h, he would have had enough time to brake to a stop if he had acted earlier. Warren Farrell pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Crash investigator gives evidence at garda's trial. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Mrs Core at Fonthill Road South, Dublin, on August 28, 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 28, 2014 Incident
• 2018-12-14 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report