Courts / Cork / Report
Sentencing of drunk driver who caused death of one woman and paralysed another adjourned after letter received by court
Summary
In 2013, Sean Casey, aged 27, drove a BMW four times over the legal limit and crashed into a roundabout in Skibbereen, killing 22‑year‑old Megan Johnston and leaving 24‑year‑old Kate Petford paralysed. Casey pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and serious bodily harm. He was sentenced in February 2014 to seven years' imprisonment and a 30‑year driving disqualification. He appealed, and the Court of Appeal found the sentence "out of line with other decided cases", ordering a new sentencing hearing. On 19 October 2015 the Court of Appeal adjourned the sentencing to 17 November, citing a letter from Petford's parents describing changes in her condition and requesting the court consider these circumstances. The court noted the DPP's submission that Casey had been 4.1 times over the limit and had travelled at 80 km/h into the roundabout, and that the vehicle was heavily intoxicated. No further sentencing decision was made in the article.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Sentencing of drunk driver who caused death of one woman and paralysed another adjourned after letter received by court. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Megan Johnston (22) and causing serious bodily harm to Kate Petford (24) who was left paralysed following the crash at Skibbereen on April 8 2013. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 8 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 17 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 17 Adjournment
- 2015-10-19 Publication
Why: The car keys came back to him because of a friend's representations to the barmaid who had taken them. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of Megan Johnston (22) and causing serious bodily harm to Kate Petford (24) who was left paralysed following the crash at Skibbereen on April 8 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to seven years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for 30 years by Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin on February 17 2014. He was due to be sentenced by the three-judge court today.; The Court of Appeal adjourned sentencing until November 17 next.
Places mentioned
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