Courts / Dublin / Report
Dangerous driving conviction overturned after court views 'passenger seat' Snapchat video
Summary
Myles Smith, 22, had his dangerous driving conviction overturned at the District Court Appeals Court after Judge Jonathan Dunphy viewed a Snapchat video allegedly proving Smith was in the passenger seat during a Garda pursuit. Smith, of Clonsilla, Dublin 15, had previously pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and two counts of failure to produce documents. In the District Court, he was disqualified from driving for two years and fined €450 for dangerous driving, fined €400 for no insurance, and fined €300 for no licence. Defence counsel Aoife McNickle BL presented video evidence showing Smith in the passenger seat while Garda lights were visible. The State, represented by Clare Barry, argued the footage was edited and that Smith was the driver. Judge Dunphy stated that after numerous viewings, he had doubt over who was driving and found no satisfactory evidence Smith was the driver. He allowed the appeal, quashing the conviction. The report does not specify the finalisation status of the other charges or any adjournments for them.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Dangerous driving conviction overturned after court views 'passenger seat' Snapchat video. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 12, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-06-30 Publication
Why: She also presented a second video, taken by Mr Smith after the event, in order to prove his position in the car was in fact the passenger seat, not the driver seat. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: On the count of dangerous driving, Mr Smith was disqualified from driving for two years and given a fine of 450 euro in the District Court.
Places mentioned
- District Court Appeals Court
- Aldemere Drive
Topics
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