Courts / Dublin / Report

Dangerous driver to pay €5,000 after leaving toddler with facial scars

Summary

Rachel Breen, a 46‑year‑old Dublin‑based occupational therapist, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm after she drove through a poorly marked junction on Naul Road, Balbriggan, on 6 October 2012. The incident left a two‑year‑old boy with permanent facial scars. Breen was found at the scene administering first aid and was later disqualified from driving for four years. Judge Desmond Hogan described her as a "decent woman" who made a "serious error of judgement" and imposed a €5,000 fine, noting that no aggravating factors such as speed or intoxication were present. The court did not impose a custodial sentence, and all injured parties were compensated through Breen's insurance. The judge highlighted that the fine would impact Breen's working life due to her driving ban.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dangerous driver to pay €5,000 after leaving toddler with facial scars. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to the then two-year-old boy at Naul Road, Balbriggan on October 6, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• October 6, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2014-12-18 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report