Courts / Dublin / Report

Eight months for hit-and-run driver who caused death of teen (13)

Date
2019-12-12
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Dean Shelley, 29, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for careless driving causing the death of 13‑year‑old Lee Henry and failure to stop on the R139, Coolock, on 22 October 2016. The court found Shelley was driving about 80 km/h in a 60 km/h zone and could not see the boy running across the road due to hedging and road layout. Shelley fled the scene, was pursued by Gardaí, abandoned his car and was later found with his wallet and licence. He pleaded guilty and admitted the offence. Judge Karen O'Connor suspended the final ten months of the sentence on strict conditions, including 12 months of probation. The case was aggravated by the speed, the distress to the family and Shelley's leaving the scene, but mitigated by his guilty plea, remorse and prior work record. The sentencing was carried out at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Eight months for hit-and-run driver who caused death of teen (13). Charges or matters: careless driving causing death and failure to stop on the R139 road, Coolock on October 22, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Dean Shelley

Defendant

Charges: careless driving causing death and failure to stop on the R139 road, Coolock on October 22, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge O'Connor sentenced Shelly to 18 months imprisonment, but suspended the final ten months of the sentence on strict conditions including that he follow all directions of the Probation Service for 12 months after his release. After the sentence was handed down, a man attempted to move towards the area in the court where Shelley was standing, but other people in the body of the court held this man back.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Facility
  • Temple Street
  • Temple Street Hospital
Garda Station
  • Shelley arrived to Finglas Garda Station

Topics

Stage Sentence

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