Courts / Dublin / Report

Road sweeper who caused death of boy (7) previously caused death of pedestrian

Summary

Karl Scully, 34, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for careless driving causing the death of Devin Shepherd, 7, at St Joseph's Way, Ballymun, on September 1, 2019. Scully pleaded guilty to the charge. Judge Pauline Codd imposed an 18-month prison sentence and disqualified him from driving for 10 years. During sentencing, Scully interjected to request a lifetime driving ban. The court noted that Scully, a road sweeper, failed to check his rear-view camera while reversing, striking the child. This conviction follows a prior six-month suspended sentence imposed in June 2023 for careless driving causing the death of Anthony Hanney, 61, in December 2018. In that earlier case, Scully entered a bus lane prematurely, leading to the fatal collision. The judge considered Scully's guilty plea, remorse, and personal circumstances in mitigation, while noting his prior conviction for causing death by careless driving as an aggravating factor. Victim impact statements from Devin's family highlighted their ongoing grief. Scully has 15 previous District Court convictions, including two for failing to display tax. The court emphasized the driver's duty of care in the presence of children.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Road sweeper who caused death of boy (7) previously caused death of pedestrian. Charges or matters: careless driving causing the death of Devin at St Joseph's Way, Poppintree, Ballymun on September 1, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• June 2023 Incident
• September 1, 2019 Incident
• December 12, 2018 Incident
• December 2018 Incident
• 2009 and 2013 Incident
• Christmas Other
• 2023-11-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report