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Visually impaired postman appeals sentence for causing death of pedestrian
Summary
David Byrne, a 43‑year‑old former postman from Kilcullen, appealed the severity of his five‑year prison sentence for dangerous driving that caused the death of 70‑year‑old Patricia Dunne on Collins Avenue East, Killester, in October 2015. Byrne, who has Type 2 Usher Syndrome, a degenerative eye disorder that causes peripheral vision loss, pleaded not guilty to the charges of dangerous driving, dishonestly inducing the National Driving Licence Service to issue a licence, and making a false statement while taking out insurance. The jury found him guilty on all three counts. His appeal, presented to the Court of Appeal, argues that the eight‑year headline sentence was too high and that his medical condition should be considered. The Court of Appeal reserved judgment, with a decision expected on 20 December 2023.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Visually impaired postman appeals sentence for causing death of pedestrian. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Patricia Dunne (70) at Collins Avenue East, Killester in Dublin on October 16, 2015; dishonestly inducing the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS) to issue him with a driving licence and making a false or misleading statement while taking out insurance. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- October 16, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 11, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- Friday December 20 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-12-16 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of Patricia Dunne (70) at Collins Avenue East, Killester in Dublin on October 16, 2015; dishonestly inducing the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS) to issue him with a driving licence and making a false or misleading statement while taking out insurance (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Byrne moved to appeal the severity of his sentence today in the Court of Appeal, where judgement was reserved.
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