Courts / Tipperary / Report
Young car enthusiast distraught after telling gardai he'd 'killed best friend', appeal hears
Summary
Phelim Coady, aged 22, was found in tears beside the body of Stephen Gleeson after a fatal crash on June 30, 2019, in Garrykennedy, Co. Tipperary. The 1995 Toyota Starlet, owned by Gleeson, overturned at 5am after hitting a bend, throwing Gleeson from the rear window. Coady, who was intoxicated and under the influence of alcohol and cannabis, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and driving a dangerously deficient vehicle. Judge Patrick Meghen sentenced him to two years and six months' imprisonment, suspended entirely, and banned him from driving for four years. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the sentence as unduly lenient, citing insufficient weight to aggravating factors. Coady's counsel described the incident as highly unusual, noting the car's poor condition and the fact that the other occupants walked away uninjured. The Court of Appeal heard the case and reserved judgment. The judge expressed sympathy for Gleeson's family and emphasized the need for consequences.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Young car enthusiast distraught after telling gardai he'd 'killed best friend', appeal hears. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing death, contrary to section 53 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, and driving a dangerously deficient vehicle contrary to sections 54 (1) and (4) of the same act. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- June 30, 2019 Other
- October 7, 2020 Other
- 2021-10-18 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: dangerous driving causing death, contrary to section 53 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, and driving a dangerously deficient vehicle contrary to sections 54 (1) and (4) of the same act (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: On October 7, 2020, Judge Patrick Meghen sentenced Coady, of Garrykennedy, Portroe, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, to two years and six months' imprisonment, which the judge suspended entirely, after the accused pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, contrary to section 53 (1) of the Road Traffic Act, and driving a dangerously deficient vehicle contrary to sections 54 (1) and (4) of the same act.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Appeal
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