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Careless driver who left athlete with serious injuries avoids jail
Summary
In a case heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Nsa Okpo, aged 53, was found guilty of careless driving causing serious harm after his car collided with a motorcyclist, Michael Sorahan, on July 11, 2013. Okpo, who was uninsured and had a suspended sentence at the time, failed to keep an adequate lookout while turning right at a junction. Sorahan, an athlete who had represented Ireland in Taekwondo, suffered severe ankle injuries, described as "burst open like a tomato," and has endured ongoing pain and surgery, with doctors stating he will never run again. Okpo's previous convictions included assault, drugs and road traffic offences, and he had served an eight‑year sentence in the UK for grievous bodily harm. Judge Pauline Codd, noting the lack of speed, alcohol or drug evidence, suspended a one‑year prison term and disqualified Okpo from driving for six years. Nsa Okpo pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Careless driver who left athlete with serious injuries avoids jail. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious harm to Mr Sorahan at Gardiner St Lower, Dublin on July 11, 2013; this offence and went on trial last November. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 11, 2013 Incident
- 2022-02-08 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: dangerous driving causing serious harm to Mr Sorahan at Gardiner St Lower, Dublin on July 11, 2013; this offence and went on trial last November (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: She also noted that he was uninsured at the time and was also serving the suspended portion of a sentence. Judge Codd suspended a one-year prison term and disqualified Okpo from driving for six years.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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