Courts / Mayo / Report
Drunk driver fails in appeal against 5-year jail term for causing death
Summary
A man from Ballina in County Mayo has failed in his appeal against a five-year custodial sentence for causing a fatal collision while driving under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. Declan Moran pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Martin Wynne, a motorcyclist, on the N26 near Ballinahaglish on 8 May 2016. He also admitted leaving the scene. Moran had attempted an illegal U-turn whilst impaired and collided with Mr Wynne's motorcycle, resulting in fatal injuries. A urine sample taken hours after the incident revealed alcohol levels nearly three times the legal limit. The Court of Appeal upheld the six-year sentence, with the final year suspended, finding the culpability serious and the previous drink-driving conviction a significant aggravating factor.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drunk driver fails in appeal against 5-year jail term for causing death. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of motorcyclist Martin 'Morch' Wynne (42) on the N26 at Ballinahaglish, Ballina on May 8, 2016; leaving the scene. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- May 8, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-01-22 Publication
Why: A major search was commenced in order to locate Moran. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of motorcyclist Martin 'Morch' Wynne (42) on the N26 at Ballinahaglish, Ballina on May 8, 2016; leaving the scene (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Moran was sentenced to six years imprisonment with the final year suspended by Judge Rory McCabe, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal today. It was submitted on Moran's behalf that he was "profoundly remorseful" and a letter he had written to the Wynne family, expressing his guilt and shame, was read out by his counsel, Diarmuid Connolly BL, at the sentence hearing.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Appeal
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