Courts / Dublin / Report
Taxi driver who struck pregnant woman on busy street loses bid to overturn conviction
Summary
Muhammad Butt, a 44-year-old taxi driver from Blanchardstown, Dublin 12, has lost his appeal against a conviction for careless driving under section 52 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. Butt had pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged he struck a pregnant woman on Queen Street, Smithfield, on August 19, 2023. The District Court Appeals Court heard that the injured party, Mary Collins, was five months pregnant at the time and suffered a large bruise to her stomach. Collins testified that the vehicle hit her as she crossed the road, while Butt claimed she appeared suddenly and threw herself onto his car after he attempted to avoid her. Garda Stephen Lacey reported visible injuries to Collins and damage to Butt's vehicle. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan affirmed the lower court's findings, accepting the prosecution's evidence that Butt pulled out of his lane without indicating and accelerated. The judge found that Butt was driving with a lack of care and attention. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, and the original District Court order was upheld, requiring Butt to pay a fine of 110 euro within 12 months.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Taxi driver who struck pregnant woman on busy street loses bid to overturn conviction. Charges or matters: careless driving under section 52 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- August 19, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-04-03 Publication
Why: She said: "I was screaming about my baby because I was hit so hard. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: careless driving under section 52 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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