Courts / Kerry / Report

14 months for speeding, "barely over the limit" driver who caused death of woman (92)

Date
2019-03-29

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dingle

County
Kerry

Summary

A 42-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 months imprisonment for dangerous driving causing death at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. James Dingle, of Drumcliffe Road, Cabra, Dublin pleaded guilty to causing the death of Maureen Creaner, aged 92, on Navan Road, Cabra on 4 September 2016. The collision occurred as Mrs Creaner crossed the road to purchase a newspaper. Garda collision experts established Dingle was travelling at 64 kilometres per hour in a 50 kilometre per hour zone. A breath test revealed he was marginally over the legal drink-driving limit, having consumed alcohol the previous evening. Analysis of his phone activity indicated significant sleep deprivation in the hours before the incident. Judge Martin Nolan noted Dingle had made conscious decisions regarding his condition and speed, for which he bore responsibility. Mitigating factors included his remaining at the scene and full co-operation with gardaí. Dingle was also disqualified from driving for four years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 14 months for speeding, "barely over the limit" driver who caused death of woman (92). Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Mrs Creaner at Navan Road, Cabra on September 4, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

September 4, 2016 Incident
2019-03-29 Publication

Case subjects

James Dingle

Defendant

Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of Mrs Creaner at Navan Road, Cabra on September 4, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He said most people who drive can be capable of inattention and the court had to assess Dingle's level of moral culpability in deciding if a custodial sentence was required. Judge Nolan imposed 14 months imprisonment and disqualified Dingle from driving for four years.