Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for man who reversed into neighbour during 'small island of madness'

Summary

Stephen Cunningham, 55, of Cushlawn Park, Tallaght, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Paul Sutton, 55, on 25 October 2022. Cunningham reversed his car onto the footpath, striking Sutton who fell to the ground and suffered a shattered knee, requiring two surgeries and six weeks in hospital. The court heard that Cunningham had no evidence of speeding, had been waiting at his home for Gardaí, and had handed over the car keys. He was disqualified from driving for ten years. The judge described the act as a "moment of madness" and noted Cunningham's early guilty plea and previous good character as mitigating factors. No evidence of alcohol or drugs was presented. The incident caused lasting mobility issues for Sutton, who can no longer walk or run.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for man who reversed into neighbour during 'small island of madness'. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Paul Sutton on October 25, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• October 25, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-12-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report