Courts / Dublin / Report
Speeding motorcyclist with 47 previous convictions who broke pedestrian's back has jail term cut
Summary
James Doyle, 37, of Walkinstown, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail for dangerous driving that caused serious bodily harm to Emily Doyle when he struck her on Cromwellsfort Road on 23 April 2020. Doyle had been driving at speeds up to 130 km/h in a 50 km/h residential zone and was travelling about 80–90 km/h at the moment of impact, breaking Doyle's back and both legs. He had 47 prior convictions, including two for dangerous driving and four for unauthorised vehicle taking. At the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice George Birmingham reduced the sentence by one year, citing mitigating factors such as Doyle's ADHD, addiction history, early plea, remorse and pro‑social life. The new sentence is two-and-a-half years with a six‑year driving ban, and the appeal was granted on the basis that the original sentence was excessive and disproportionate. James Doyle pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Speeding motorcyclist with 47 previous convictions who broke pedestrian's back has jail term cut. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Emily Doyle on Cromwellsfort Road, also in Walkinstown, on April 23, 2020. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 23, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-02-02 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Emily Doyle on Cromwellsfort Road, also in Walkinstown, on April 23, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: At the Court of Appeal today, Mr Justice George Birmingham said the court would reduce Doyle's sentence by one year. In re-sentencing Doyle, Mr Justice Birmingham said the court felt that two-and-a-half years was an appropriate sentence and that a driving ban of six years was to remain in place.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Thomas Road
- Cromwellsfort Road
- Loughan House
Topics
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