Courts / Dublin / Report

Truck driver caused catastrophic 'de-gloving' injury to pedestrian's leg

Date
2023-12-05
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, truck driver Zahir Boudahane (50) pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious injury to 32‑year‑old William Burke on O'Connell Bridge on 10 June 2022. Boudahane, unfamiliar with the city centre, was driving in the bus lane on Bachelor's Walk when he broke a red light and made an illegal right‑hand turn onto O'Connell Bridge. Burke, crossing from the Eden Quay direction, was struck head‑on. He was dragged under the front of the vehicle, with the front wheel passing over his left leg and the rear wheel over his foot. Burke later reported seeing bones exposed and blood everywhere; Garda Cathal Keon described the injury as effectively "de‑gloved." Burke was treated at Mater Hospital, underwent urgent surgery, and ultimately had a below‑knee amputation. He now uses a wheelchair. Boudahane's dashcam showed a speed of 17 km/h; breath tests found no drugs or alcohol.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Truck driver caused catastrophic 'de-gloving' injury to pedestrian's leg. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious injury to William Burke on O'Connell Bridge, Dublin, on June 10, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Zahir Boudahane

Defendant

Charges: dangerous driving causing serious injury to William Burke on O'Connell Bridge, Dublin, on June 10, 2022 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case to December 13 next and remanded Boudahane on continuing bail.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Facility
  • Mater Hospital
Garda Station
  • voluntary statement at the garda station

Topics

Drugs Road Traffic Stage Trial

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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