Courts / Dublin / Report

Suspended sentence for Nigerian man whose driving killed motorcyclist

Date
2019-11-18

Stage
Sentence

Court
In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Kaine Ugwu, a 25‑year‑old Nigerian learner driver, received a suspended 12‑month sentence for the fatal collision that killed 34‑year‑old Brazilian food‑delivery motorcyclist Fernando Coimbra de Almeida Morato on North Circular Road on 8 December 2017. Ugwu pleaded guilty to careless driving, had no prior convictions, and was not intoxicated or speeding. He was ordered to pay €10,000 to Morato's fiancée and mother, and an additional €20,000 to the family within six months. Judge Elma Sheahan suspended the sentence on conditions including payment of the sums, a six‑year driving ban, and a stay in the country until the payment is confirmed. Ugwu's visa has since expired, and the judge noted this could affect his future. The court also heard the tragic impact on Morato's fiancée, who expressed profound loss and emptiness.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for Nigerian man whose driving killed motorcyclist. Charges or matters: careless driving causing the death of Mr Morato at North Circular Road, Dublin, on December 8, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

December 8, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
2019-11-18 Publication

Case subjects

Kaine Ugwu

Defendant

Charges: careless driving causing the death of Mr Morato at North Circular Road, Dublin, on December 8, 2017 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She suspended the sentence on a number of conditions, including that Ugwu pay the €20,000 to Mr Morato's family within six months.; Judge Sheahan adjourned the matter to next June to ensure the money has been paid and she ordered that Ugwu be allowed to remain in the country until then.