Courts / Cork / Report
Man whose driving killed one woman and paralysed another has jail term cut by three years on appeal
Summary
Sean Casey, 27, of Cooragannive, Skibbereen, was convicted of dangerous driving that caused the death of Megan Johnston, 22, and serious bodily harm to Kate Petford, 24, in a 2013 crash. He was originally sentenced to seven years' imprisonment and a 30‑year driving disqualification. In July 2015 the Court of Appeal found the sentence too severe and reduced it to five years, suspending the final twelve months. The disqualification remained. The Court considered victim impact reports from the Petfords and the Johnsons, a psychologist's report on Casey's mental state, and the principle of proportionality. The final sentence was five years' imprisonment with the last year suspended, and a 30‑year driving ban that will continue to affect Casey's rehabilitation. The decision was made after a successful appeal and a hearing in the Cork Circuit Criminal Court. The case remains a record of the Court's approach to dangerous driving convictions. Sean Casey pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man whose driving killed one woman and paralysed another has jail term cut by three years on appeal. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the dath 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
- 2015-11-17 Publication
Why: He was tearful on his recall of his own wrongdoings and admitted that he was putting a brave face on for family because he feels they have been upset enough, the report stated. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: dangerous driving causing the dath 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. The Court of Appeal imposed a new sentence on him today of five years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended.; However, sentencing was adjourned on foot of a fresh victim impact report submitted by the parents of Ms Petford who wished to detail their "abhorrence" at the proposed reduction in his sentence.
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