Courts / Galway / Report

Drunk, speeding driver who caused death of girl (16) has jail term increased

Date
2023-02-13

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Oughterard

County
Galway

Summary

Michael Welby, 24, was originally sentenced to three years' imprisonment with 18 months suspended for dangerous driving that caused the death of 16‑year‑old Róisín Hession in March 2020. The Court of Appeal increased his jail term by a year, quashing the original sentence and imposing a six‑year headline sentence, with two years discounted for his guilty plea and remorse. The 18‑month suspended portion remains, leaving Welby to serve two‑and‑a‑half years in custody and a four‑year driving ban. The appeal was based on the State's argument that the original sentence was unduly lenient, citing Welby's speed, alcohol level, defective vehicle and the tragic loss of a teenager. The court noted the severe impact on Hession's family and the aggravating circumstances of the crash.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Drunk, speeding driver who caused death of girl (16) has jail term increased. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of teenager Róisín Hession after the car he was driving hit a wall in the townland of Porridgetown, Co Galway, in March 2020. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

March 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
March 1, 2020 Incident
2023-02-13 Publication

Case subjects

Michael Welby

Convicted Person

Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of teenager Róisín Hession after the car he was driving hit a wall in the townland of Porridgetown, Co Galway, in March 2020 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Michael Welby (24), of Loughgannon, Roscahill, was sentenced at Galway Circuit Court in July of last year, after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of teenager Róisín Hession after the car he was driving hit a wall in the townland of Porridgetown, Co Galway, in March 2020. Judge O'Callaghan sentenced Welby to three years' imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended for two years.