Courts / Louth / Report
Repeat roads offender who caused death of woman (20) argues 14-year jail term 'manifestly excessive'
Summary
Michael Collins, 50, of Drogheda, was convicted of dangerous driving causing the death of 20‑year‑old Jillian Thornton after a 35‑minute pursuit by Gardaí. He was found to have been high on cannabis and was driving head‑on, without lights, and on the wrong side of the road. The trial, held at Trim Circuit Court in July 2019, also found him guilty of two endangerment charges, 12 dangerous driving offences and driving under the influence. Collins was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment, with one year suspended, and a life‑long driving disqualification. At the Court of Appeal he argued the sentence was manifestly excessive, citing the lack of aggravating factors such as leaving the scene or disqualification at the time, and that the disqualification would impair his rehabilitation. The appeal was dismissed, with the judges reserving judgment on the appeal decision.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Repeat roads offender who caused death of woman (20) argues 14-year jail term 'manifestly excessive'. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Jillian Thornton on May 27, 2016 at Waterside Great, Duleek, Co Meath following a trial lasting almost two weeks at Trim Circuit Court in July 2019. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- May 27, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-10-11 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of Jillian Thornton on May 27, 2016 at Waterside Great, Duleek, Co Meath following a trial lasting almost two weeks at Trim Circuit Court in July 2019 (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; At the Court of Appeal today, defence counsel Michael Lynn said the overall sentence of 15 years with one year suspended imposed on Collins was "clearly disproportionate". He argued the 14 years handed down was "almost double" that imposed in other more severe cases and said it was contrary to the totality principle of sentencing. "We're saying the end result was manifestly excessive," he said, adding there were many aggravating factors that weren't present in the case, as Collins did not leave the scene and was not disqualified at the time. "There were many factors that weren't present but many factors that were," said Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, noting the car had travelled "against the flow of traffic" with "no headlights on" and there had been a "high speed c
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Trim
- Trim Circuit Court
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Appeal
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