Courts / Dublin / Report
Trial of taxi driver accused of causing serious harm collapses
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, the trial of taxi driver Sinead Roche (43) collapsed after Judge Elma Sheahan ruled that evidence was insufficient to convict her of careless driving causing serious bodily harm to 77‑year‑old Margaret Rooney. Roche had pleaded not guilty to the careless driving charge and three related offences – failing to offer assistance, failing to stay at the scene and failing to report to gardaí – after her car struck Rooney on Sundrive Road, Crumlin, on 4 December 2016. Rooney suffered serious head and ankle injuries, was hospitalised, and now has dementia, preventing her from giving evidence. Roche's lawyer argued that no evidence showed she was driving carelessly, that she had her eyes on the road, and that circumstances of the collision were unclear. Judge Sheahan found no evidence of carelessness, directed the jury to find Roche not guilty, and later declared the return for trial invalid, ending the case.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Trial of taxi driver accused of causing serious harm collapses. Charges or matters: careless driving causing serious bodily harm to Margaret Rooney at Sundrive Road, Crumlin on December 4, 2016; three related charges; failing to offer assistance after her car was involved in causing an injury, failing to stay at the scene and failing to report to gardaí. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- December 4, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-02-08 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: careless driving causing serious bodily harm to Margaret Rooney at Sundrive Road, Crumlin on December 4, 2016; three related charges; failing to offer assistance after her car was involved in causing an injury, failing to stay at the scene and failing to report to gardaí (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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