Courts / Louth / Report
High driver who caused death of passenger in horror crash fails to convince appeal of 'radical proposition'
Summary
Michael Collins, 49, was convicted in 2019 of dangerous driving causing the death of 20‑year‑old Jillian Thornton, who was thrown from his car when it split in two during a crash near Ballymagarvey on the N2. Collins had been driving under the influence of cannabis and had fired his legal team at the start of the trial, choosing to represent himself. The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal, ruling that the right to self‑representation is a constitutional right that can only be overridden in extreme circumstances. The court found Collins fit to plead, medically assessed as capable of defending himself, and that no breach of EU law occurred. The appeal was rejected, affirming that Collins' decision to defend himself was a voluntary, informed choice. The case remains at the trial stage with the 14‑year sentence upheld.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: High driver who caused death of passenger in horror crash fails to convince appeal of 'radical proposition'. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Thornton on May 27, 2016, at Waterside Great, Duleek, Co Meath. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- July 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 27, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-07-25 Publication
Why: Mr Lynn said Collins' trial was "not one in accordance with the law" because of the lack of legal representation for Collins, which raised "a difficult issue". CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Thornton on May 27, 2016, at Waterside Great, Duleek, Co Meath (Proven)
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Collins was jailed for 14 years at Trim Circuit Court in July 2019 for causing the crash that claimed the life of Jillian Thornton seven years ago.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Trim
- Trim Circuit Court
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Appeal
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