Courts / Dublin / Report

Garda authorities refused forensic examination because collision victim did not die, court hears

Date
2014-11-19

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a 2014 Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Garda authorities refused to conduct a forensic scene investigation after a road‑traffic collision on Monastery Road, Clondalkin, because the victim, 72‑year‑old Paul Woodley, did not die. The case involved 42‑year‑old nurse Barbara O'Toole, who was charged with dangerous driving causing serious harm. O'Toole allegedly left a housing estate onto a main road and collided with Woodley's motorcycle, resulting in the loss of part of his leg. O'Toole pleaded not guilty. The barrister, Pieter LeVert, argued that the refusal was "appalling" and that the collision was clearly serious. Garda Catherine Gunning had requested a forensic examination of the vehicles within five minutes of arriving, but the request was denied on the basis of no fatality. She later resubmitted the request, which was again refused. An inspector did examine the motorbike, but was unaware of the indicator light issue.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Garda authorities refused forensic examination because collision victim did not die, court hears. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious harm to Mr Woodley on October 21, 2010 at Monastery Road in Clondalkin. Procedural stage: trial

When:

October 21, 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
2014-11-19 Publication

Why: Garda authorities refused to carry out a forensic scene investigation because the victim in a road traffic collision did not die, a court has heard. CNI source report