Courts / Dublin / Report
Six-year driving ban for drunk fireman who caused death of pedestrian
Summary
Derek Keane, 40, was sentenced to five‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment for dangerous driving that caused the death of 27‑year‑old Callum Grimes on 27 December 2016. Keane, who had drunk between 12 and 15 pints of Guinness and possibly a gin and tonic before driving, collided with Grimes on a rural road near Loughshinny, Skerries, where no footpath existed. Grimes suffered catastrophic brain injuries and died seven months later at Beaumont Hospital. Keane also pleaded guilty to failing to provide assistance at the scene. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Martin Nolan, disqualified Keane from driving for six years. Keane had no memory of the night in question and had reported his van's damage the next day after learning of the hit‑and‑run. The court noted that Grimes was described by his family as a shy boy who loved life. The disqualification was imposed following the sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Six-year driving ban for drunk fireman who caused death of pedestrian. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Grimes at Loughshinny, Skerries, Co Dublin on December 27, 2016 and to failing to provide assistance at the scene. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 27, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-12-09 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Grimes at Loughshinny, Skerries, Co Dublin on December 27, 2016 and to failing to provide assistance at the scene (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Keane was jailed for five-and-a-half years on Friday after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Grimes at Loughshinny, Skerries, Co Dublin on December 27, 2016 and to failing to provide assistance at the scene. Judge Nolan disqualified Keane from driving for six years.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request