Courts / Dublin / Report

Driver who hit cyclist causing him serious injuries avoids disqualification over roundabout that made "drastic changes" to rules of the road

Date
2015-03-03
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a case heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Alan Lee, a 45‑year‑old bin lorry driver from Greenfort Avenue, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to careless driving that caused serious bodily harm to cyclist Tim O'Herilihy on 26 October 2012. Lee was driving a refuse collection truck when he cut in front of O'Herilihy at the Killiney Towers Roundabout, which had recently been altered to give cyclists the right of way at exits. O'Herilihy, cycling on the roundabout's cycle path, was struck, suffering broken ribs, a shattered pelvis, a broken ankle and internal bleeding, requiring five operations over six months. Judge Martin Nolan, surprised by the drastic changes to the roundabout's rules, decided not to disqualify Lee from driving, citing the lack of clear signage and the potential injustice of disqualification. He imposed a €500 fine. The court noted that the roundabout had been reverted to its previous system after the incident.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Driver who hit cyclist causing him serious injuries avoids disqualification over roundabout that made "drastic changes" to rules of the road. Charges or matters: careless driving causing serious bodily harm to Tim O'Herilihy on October 26, 2012. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Case subjects

Alan Lee

Defendant

Charges: careless driving causing serious bodily harm to Tim O'Herilihy on October 26, 2012 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Residence
  • Greenfort Avenue
Journey Or Route

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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