Courts / Meath / Report

Driver goes on trial accused of causing 'instantaneous death' of woman on M50

Date
2023-11-14

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Ashbourne

County
Meath

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Gerry Daly, 57, pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing the instantaneous death of Jacqueline Griffin, 39, on the M50 on 24 January 2019. Witnesses described Daly's vehicle as travelling at high speed, weaving in and out of traffic, and veering across the hard shoulder before colliding with Griffin's car. The prosecution argued that the collision was ferocious, causing Griffin's vehicle to roll over and her immediate death. Daly was also reported to have been a type‑one diabetic with a related medical condition that impaired his control of the vehicle. CCTV footage and multiple motorists' testimonies were presented, all indicating that Daly's driving was dangerous and that the accident caused Griffin's death. The case remains before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Driver goes on trial accused of causing 'instantaneous death' of woman on M50. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Jacqueline Griffin (39) at junction five of the M50 on January 24, 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

January 24, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
2023-11-14 Publication

Why: He advised the witness to not look up towards the maroon-coloured car and asked him if he could call the emergency service because he was too shaken to make the call. CNI source report