Courts / Dublin / Report
Repeat roads offender who left child (3) 'in agony' on ground is jailed
Summary
Sandile Hlatshwayo, 43, of Riverwood Hall, Castleknock, pleaded guilty to endangerment after striking a three‑year‑old on a bike while speeding on 31 October 2020. He also pleaded guilty to failing to remain at the scene, refusing a drug test and driving without a licence. The child was taken to hospital with fractures and required emergency surgery. Hlatshwayo, who has 26 prior convictions, mainly for road offences including four drink‑driving convictions, was sentenced by Judge Elma Duffy to three years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, and banned from driving for 15 years. He was also ordered to keep the peace and exhibit good behaviour for 12 months upon release. The judge described his aggressive conduct as "incomprehensible" and noted the severe impact on the child's family. The sentence was imposed to encourage Hlatshwayo's return to work and community contribution.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Repeat roads offender who left child (3) 'in agony' on ground is jailed. Charges or matters: failing to remain at the scene of a collision, failing to provide a sample for testing and driving without a licence, all on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 31, 2020 Incident
- 2024-11-14 Publication
Why: Judge Duffy described Hlatshwayo's previous history of driving offences as "appalling" and said the accused had clearly, several times, made the decision to get back into a car when intoxicated and despite the fact that he could no longer get insurance because he'd been taken off the road. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: failing to remain at the scene of a collision, failing to provide a sample for testing and driving without a licence, all on the same date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Imposing sentence today, Judge Elma Duffy set a headline sentence of four years but imposed an actual sentence of three years, with the final 12 months suspended. She suspended the final 12 months of Hlatshwayo's sentence in order to incentivise him to return to work and to return to being a contributing member of the community.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- was taken to Blanchardstown Garda Station
- Blanchardstown
- his behaviour at the garda station
Topics
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