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Pedestrian seriously injured by pensioner during 'momentary lapse' says driver has 'been through enough'

Summary

Driver Margaret Casey, 73, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm. On June 17, 2023, at Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 11, Casey's vehicle mounted a kerb and struck a pedestrian on the footpath. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Casey had a momentary lapse in concentration following a difficult hospital visit to her brother. The court accepted that no aggravating factors, such as intoxication or speed, were present, and Casey's conduct at the scene was exemplary. The victim, a man in his sixties, suffered a fractured jaw and injuries to his skull, ribs, and neck, requiring five days in hospital. He has since significantly recovered and did not wish to make a victim impact statement, stating Casey had been through enough. Judge Crowe set a headline sentence of two years imprisonment. However, considering the mitigating circumstances and Casey's personal situation, including her care for her ill brother, the judge imposed a 12-month sentence fully suspended for two years. Additionally, the offence carries a mandatory four-year driving disqualification.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pedestrian seriously injured by pensioner during 'momentary lapse' says driver has 'been through enough'. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm at Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 11, on June 17, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• June 17, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-11-01 Publication

Why: Defence counsel said it was a case which "hammers home to the public the requirement to maintain full concentration at all times" because of the tragic consequences a lack of control can have. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report