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Careless driver who ran through crossroads, leaving elderly woman with broken back, avoids jail
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentencing hearing, Victoria Quinn, 46, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm after colliding with an elderly couple's car at a crossroads on the R125 in Swords on 4 June 2022. The collision left the 72‑year‑old woman with a fractured back and other injuries, and the couple's husband died 19 days later from unrelated pneumonia. Quinn received a suspended two‑year sentence, a €8,000 fine payable in six months, and no custodial term. The court noted Quinn's earlier statement to Gardaí that she had approached the junction slowly, which witnesses contradicted by describing her driving at speed and failing to see the stop sign. Quinn's cooperation and remorse were acknowledged, but the judge found her statement inconsistent with the evidence. The case ended with the court's full condolences to the victim's family.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Careless driver who ran through crossroads, leaving elderly woman with broken back, avoids jail. Charges or matters: one count of careless driving causing serious harm to the 72-year-old woman at the R125 in Swords on June 4, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 4, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-01-20 Publication
Why: One witness, who was on the same road as the couple, told gardaí he slammed on his brakes because he saw Quinn driving as if she would not stop and he anticipated a collision. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of careless driving causing serious harm to the 72-year-old woman at the R125 in Swords on June 4, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Elva Duffy today imposed a sentence of two years, which she suspended in full before fining Quinn €8,000 which she must pay in six months.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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