Courts / Dublin / Report

Octogenarian may have 'nodded off' before mounting footpath and injuring two girls

Summary

An 83‑year‑old driver, Thomas Hamilton, admitted to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that he may have "nodded off" when he mounted a footpath on Howth Road, colliding with an 11‑year‑old and a 10‑year‑old girl. The older girl suffered fractures to her leg and ankle and a minor head wound, requiring surgery and leaving permanent scarring; the younger girl sustained soft‑tissue injuries. Both girls were taken to hospital and later interviewed by specialist Gardaí, and both now suffer from post‑traumatic stress disorder. Hamilton, who has no prior convictions, was found guilty of two counts of careless driving causing serious bodily harm. He was sentenced to a suspended three‑month custodial term, with a €1,000 payment to each family, and he has since surrendered his driving licence and insurance. The court noted that the accident occurred in dry weather with good visibility, and that Hamilton had no memory of the incident.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Octogenarian may have 'nodded off' before mounting footpath and injuring two girls. Charges or matters: two counts of careless driving causing serious bodily harm on January 19, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 19, 2024 Incident
• 2025-07-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report