Courts / Dublin / Report

Driver who was seven times over the limit caused death of friend days before his 21st

Summary

In a tragic incident on 3 October 2021, 20‑year‑old Craig Hunter was killed when the car he was riding in, driven by 33‑year‑old Stephen Kennedy, collided with a street lamp on Sarsfield Road. Kennedy, who was unlicensed, had no insurance and was drinking seven times the legal limit. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, driving under the influence and driving without a licence or insurance. The court sentenced him to four years' imprisonment, disqualified him from driving for five years for the no‑insurance offence and imposed a mandatory two‑year disqualification for drink driving. Kennedy's plea and cooperation were noted as mitigating factors, while the speed, high alcohol level and unsafe vehicle were aggravating factors. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with the victim impact statement of Hunter's mother read by the judge. The court also considered credible threats against Kennedy that were being investigated by the Gardaí.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Driver who was seven times over the limit caused death of friend days before his 21st. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing death; driving while under the influence of alcohol and driving without a licence and insurance. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• October 3, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 2021 Incident
• 2022-12-19 Publication

Why: The court heard that a forensic crash investigation concluded that the crash occurred because the driver was using an unsafe car after consuming alcohol. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report