Courts / Dublin / Report

'Stellar' academic didn't realise she'd struck elderly pedestrian

Summary

Megan O'Shaughnessy, a 32‑year‑old academic, was given a three‑month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to careless driving that caused serious bodily harm to a 75‑year‑old man on Emmet Road, Dublin 8, on 27 January 2022. The incident occurred when O'Shaughnessy was driving her Nissan Micra home at about 45 km/h and did not notice the elderly pedestrian crossing. The victim suffered a broken wrist and arm, was treated in hospital for four days, and later re‑admitted for pain and a delusional episode. O'Shaughnessy had no prior convictions, the vehicle was insured and had passed its NCT, and she was not using her phone or speeding. The judge noted her excellent mitigation, describing her as dedicated and exemplary, and accepted her guilty plea and cooperation as "great assistance" to the investigation. The sentence was suspended in full on strict conditions. The court recorded that the victim remains in hospital but is doing well.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Stellar' academic didn't realise she'd struck elderly pedestrian. Charges or matters: careless driving causing seriously bodily harm on Emmet Road, Dublin 8 on January 27, 2022; careless driving. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 27, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 2022 Other
• 2024-02-13 Publication

Why: When asked by Judge Nolan as to why O'Shaughnessy had not seen the man while he was crossing the road, James Dwyer SC defending replied: "because she was driving without due care and attention". Defence account reported by CNI

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Read the original CNI report