Courts / Dublin / Report

Speeding driver who caused death of dad of two is jailed

Date
2019-01-17

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Michael Jones, a 25‑year‑old roofer from Dublin, was found guilty of dangerous driving causing the death of Hong Qing Qu in a collision on Blanchardstown Road on 17 November 2015. Jones had broken a red light and was travelling between 115 km/h and 137 km/h, well above the 60 km/h limit. He pleaded not guilty, but a jury convicted him in December 2016. Judge Patricia Ryan sentenced him to five years' imprisonment, back‑dating the term to 19 December 2015, the day he entered custody, and disqualified him from driving for life. The sentence reflected Jones' admission of driving the Audi, his lack of prior convictions, his young age, his remorse, and the fact that he was injured in the crash. The court also considered the victim impact statement from Mr Qu's widow, who described the loss of her husband and the effect on their children.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Speeding driver who caused death of dad of two is jailed. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Hong Qing Qu at Blanchardstown Rd. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

November 17, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
December 19 Hearing Or Sentence
2019-01-17 Publication

Why: She said because they are too young to understand death she tells them that he is a "hero". CNI source report

Case subjects

Michael Jones

Convicted Person

Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of Hong Qing Qu at Blanchardstown Rd (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Credit: Collins) A man who caused the death of a father-of-two in a two car collision when he broke a red light while driving at around twice the speed limit has been jailed for five years. This morning Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a sentence of five years imprisonment.