Courts / Westmeath / Report
Dangerous driver left man with broken hip and permanent scarring, court hears
Summary
Brian Gavin, 28, was driving from Mullingar to Lucan at speeds up to 160 km/h when he clipped a car's wing mirror and later collided with a Skoda, causing Gerard Nolan to suffer a broken hip, broken leg, facial fractures and permanent scarring. Gavin then struck another vehicle before stopping. He told Gardaí he was trying to kill himself, citing suicidal thoughts and a desire to leave his family home. He has bipolar disorder, had stopped his medication, and had a prior suicide attempt. Gavin pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm and failing to stop, and to a second dangerous driving offence. He passed a roadside breath test. Judge Sarah Berkeley adjourned the case to monitor his medication compliance and imposed a mandatory four‑year driving ban.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Dangerous driver left man with broken hip and permanent scarring, court hears. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Mr Nolan at the N4, Lucan on January 17 last and to failing to stop at an accident. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 17 Incident
- 2015-11-06 Publication
Why: Judge Sarah Berkeley adjourned the case until next May in order to monitor Gavin's compliance with his medication regime. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Mr Nolan at the N4, Lucan on January 17 last and to failing to stop at an accident (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Sarah Berkeley adjourned the case until next May in order to monitor Gavin's compliance with his medication regime.
Places mentioned
Topics
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