Courts / Dublin / Report

On-bail offender who left woman with fractured spine after head-on collision put under probation supervision

Date
2025-05-23

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Lucan

County
Dublin

Summary

John Stokes, 22, was placed under Probation Service supervision ahead of sentencing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He pleaded guilty to one count of careless driving causing serious bodily harm to a woman, a charge accepted by the DPP on a full facts basis. The offence carries a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to €10,000. The incident occurred on May 2, 2021, at Lower Lucan Road, where Stokes lost control of his vehicle, colliding head-on with another car. The collision left a woman with fractured spine and ribs, requiring her to be cut from the vehicle. Stokes, who was on bail for another offence at the time, had previously failed to appear for sentencing, resulting in a warrant for his arrest. He later presented himself to gardai after living in the UK. The court heard he was a learner driver accompanied by a licensed passenger and not under the influence of intoxicants. Victim impact statements detailed ongoing pain, mental health struggles, and financial difficulties. Defence counsel highlighted Stokes' age at the time of the offence, mental health history, and role as a father. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the seriousness of his failure to attend court and his status as an on-bail offender. She ordered a six-month probation period, a good behaviour bond, and the submission of probation, GP, and counselling reports before the matter is finalised on November 24.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: On-bail offender who left woman with fractured spine after head-on collision put under probation supervision. Charges or matters: one count of careless driving causing serious bodily harm to a woman in relation to the incident, which was accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on a full facts basis, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

May 2, 2021 Incident
November 24 Hearing Or Sentence
2025-05-23 Publication

Case subjects

Unnamed woman

Accused

Charges: one count of careless driving causing serious bodily harm to a woman in relation to the incident, which was accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on a full facts basis, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: After pleading guilty in 2022, Stokes failed to appear for his sentence hearing, and a warrant was eventually issued for his arrest.