Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury acquits man of dangerous driving after pedestrian (80) struck

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, marketing manager Paul Nugent, aged 58, was acquitted of a dangerous driving charge after striking 80‑year‑old Thomas Clinton on Harbour Road, Howth, on 8 January 2018. Nugent was driving back into town after a business meeting when his car hit Clinton, who fell, lost consciousness, and sustained life‑threatening injuries including head trauma and a broken leg. Nugent pleaded not guilty. The jury, after just under two hours of deliberation, returned a unanimous not‑guilty verdict. The State argued Clinton was visible 2.88 seconds before impact and that Nugent's reaction time was insufficient, while the defence contended the available time was overestimated and Nugent's reaction was within acceptable limits. Nugent has no prior convictions and was not speeding at the time of the incident. The judge thanked the jury for their civic duty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury acquits man of dangerous driving after pedestrian (80) struck. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 8, 2018 Other
• 2020-10-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report