Courts / Dublin / Report

Roads offender was high on cannabis when he caused death of barrister, fled scene

Date
2023-02-24

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Lucan

County
Dublin

Summary

Ciaran Dolan, 32, of Lucan, was convicted of dangerous driving causing the death of barrister Edward O'Hara on Peamount Road, Newcastle, on 29 January 2022. He was driving a silver Volkswagen Golf at high speed, filmed on his phone at 160 km/h, and collided with O'Hara from behind. O'Hara, walking in the direction of Newcastle, was struck, carried 118 m, and later died at Tallaght Hospital. Dolan fled the scene, later turning the car around and pulling into a lay‑by before being apprehended. He was found to be under the influence of cannabis, had admitted smoking two joints that day, and had signed pleas. The court noted his previous five convictions for road offences, his remorse, and his signed pleas, but also his grossly reprehensible conduct and failure to assist the victim. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to five and a half years' imprisonment, deeming a custodial sentence inevitable.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Roads offender was high on cannabis when he caused death of barrister, fled scene. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death; failing to offer assistance to the victim. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

January 29, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
2023-02-24 Publication

Case subjects

Ciaran Dolan

Defendant

Charges: dangerous driving causing the death; failing to offer assistance to the victim (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Judge Nolan said Dolan's behaviour towards Mr O'Hara was "grossly reprehensible" and a prison sentence was "inevitable", before imposing a sentence of five and a half years.