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'No criticism' of accused's driving other than 'failure to react speedily', witness says

Summary

In a dangerous driving trial, Garda John Culleton accepted that the accused, Paul Nugent, faced no criticism of his driving beyond a "failure to react speedily" when Thomas Clinton, 80, walked onto Harbour Road in Howth on 8 January 2018. Nugent, 58, was driving a BMW at just over 50 km/h. CCTV showed Clinton stepping out between parked cars and the BMW's brake lights activating 0.24 s before impact. The garda report estimated Clinton visible for 2.88 s; the defence report estimated 2.28–2.32 s. Culleton concluded Nugent's reaction time fell within acceptable limits, noting that a 1.5‑second reaction would have stopped the car 3.65 m before the collision, while a 2‑second reaction would have stopped it 3.5 m after. The trial proceeds before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury. Paul Nugent pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'No criticism' of accused's driving other than 'failure to react speedily', witness says. Charges or matters: a charge of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Mr Clinton. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 8, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2020-09-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report