Courts / Dublin / Report
Drunk driver left pedestrian with life-changing injuries while trying to avoid checkpoint
Summary
Darren Kershaw, 45, of Cherry Orchard Park, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm, failing to remain at the scene, and driving over the legal alcohol limit after striking Ranyfrancia DaSilva, a Brazilian national, on Landen Road, Ballyfermot, on 19 June 2018. The incident occurred when Kershaw attempted a U‑turn before a Garda checkpoint on Sarsfield Road, collided with a set of traffic lights, and then struck DaSilva, who was walking home from a restaurant. DaSilva suffered multiple skull fractures, back injuries, and has endured ongoing dizziness, headaches, and disturbed sleep, losing her job and incurring €27,000 in medical expenses. Kershaw was sentenced to four‑and‑a‑half years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions, including remaining drug and alcohol free. The court noted his guilty plea, cooperation, remorse, and efforts to rehabilitate, including abstaining from alcohol and drugs.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drunk driver left pedestrian with life-changing injuries while trying to avoid checkpoint. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious harm at Landen Road, Ballyfermot on June 19, 2018; failing to remain at the scene and to driving over the legal alcohol limit, both on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 19, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-02-03 Publication
Why: The car did not stop at the scene but was unable to drive much further because of damage to a front tyre and axle. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: dangerous driving causing serious harm at Landen Road, Ballyfermot on June 19, 2018; failing to remain at the scene and to driving over the legal alcohol limit, both on the same date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Elma Sheahan said the court viewed Kershaw's culpability as being high. She sentenced Kershaw to four-and-a-half years imprisonment, but suspended the final 12 months on strict conditions including that he remain drug and alcohol free.
Places mentioned
- Cherry Orchard Park
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Landen Road
- Sarsfield Road
- Landen Road
- St James' Hospital
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence
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