Courts / Dublin / Report
Bus driver who struck bridge, shearing off top, is discharged from indictment
Summary
On 7 March 2022 a double‑decker bus driven by 60‑year‑old aircraft maintenance engineer Francis Leonard crashed into a rail bridge on Moyne Road, Baldoyle, shearing off the top of the vehicle while 15 school children were aboard. No passengers were injured and the bridge sustained only minor chipping. Leonard, who had been asked to drive a double‑decker on short notice, had intended to take a different route but was forced to change course due to roadworks. He stopped the bus to allow a car to pass and was travelling at low speed when the collision occurred. He pleaded guilty to one count of driving a vehicle over the bridge's height limit. At a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing Judge Orla Crowe discharged him from the indictment after he had complied with a €500 fine, kept the peace and met other conditions imposed earlier. No further charges were brought.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Bus driver who struck bridge, shearing off top, is discharged from indictment. Charges or matters: one count of driving a vehicle under a rail bridge, where the height of the vehicle exceeded the height of the bridge as indicated by traffic signs. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 7, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-07-05 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: one count of driving a vehicle under a rail bridge, where the height of the vehicle exceeded the height of the bridge as indicated by traffic signs (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: In February of this year, Judge Crowe deferred sentence for three months under Section 100 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows for a case to be deferred and then discharged if a defendant meets certain conditions.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Moyne Road
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request