Courts / Dublin / Report

Careless driver who knocked down girl (12), avoids jail

Summary

In a south Dublin incident, 51‑year‑old Guillermo Salazar drove a Peugeot through a red light and struck a 12‑year‑old girl crossing the road. The child sustained a swollen temple, a cut eyebrow and required hospital treatment, but has since fully recovered. Salazar, who initially faced a dangerous driving charge, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm. At the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, he received a nine‑month suspended sentence, with no driving disqualification imposed. The court noted Salazar's "momentary lapse in concentration," his cooperation with Gardaí, and the absence of alcohol or prior convictions. The judge highlighted the child's injuries as not severe and accepted mitigating factors, concluding that the suspended sentence was appropriate under strict conditions. The case remains at the sentencing stage, with no further legal actions reported.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Careless driver who knocked down girl (12), avoids jail. Charges or matters: the lesser charge of careless driving causing serious bodily harm, on March 18, 2023 at Wyckham Way, Dundrum in Dublin. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 18, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-07-10 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report