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Driver who left passenger with serious injuries after 'scandalous' overtaking has driving ban halved

Summary

In February 2020, Martin Feehan, 42, was convicted of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm after a reckless overtaking manoeuvre on the Mallow‑to‑Cork road in Granagh, Co Cork, on 16 February 2015. The incident left 40‑year‑old Brid Hallihan with a broken pelvis and months of hospital treatment. Feehan was sentenced by Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin to a three‑year suspended sentence and a 20‑year driving ban. In March 2022, Feehan appealed the conviction and sought to reduce the ban. The Court of Appeal, after hearing arguments, quashed the 20‑year ban and substituted a 10‑year ban, back‑dated to the original sentencing date of 6 February 2020. The conviction itself remained upheld. The case highlighted the severity of the offence and the court's stance on public safety.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Driver who left passenger with serious injuries after 'scandalous' overtaking has driving ban halved. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• February 16, 2015 Other
• February 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 6, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2022-06-24 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report