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Driver who reversed over toddler, leaving her with life changing injuries, avoids jail
Summary
Dariusz Skowronski, 47, was given a 12‑month suspended sentence after he drove over a three‑year‑old girl while reversing into a driveway. The child, who was not visible above the rear window, sustained life‑changing injuries, including a severe brain injury and skull fractures. Skowronski stopped briefly after the first impact but continued reversing, causing the charge of careless driving causing serious bodily harm. He pleaded guilty on 17 May 2022 and had no prior convictions. Footage of the incident was shown to Judge Martin Nolan, who noted the lack of aggravating factors such as alcohol, drugs or phone use. The judge expressed sympathy for the family and, after considering the circumstances, imposed a one‑year sentence suspended in full. The child's parents were present, and victim impact statements were submitted but not read out in court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Driver who reversed over toddler, leaving her with life changing injuries, avoids jail. Charges or matters: careless driving causing serious bodily harm on May 17, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 17, 2022 Incident
- 2025-10-13 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: careless driving causing serious bodily harm on May 17, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) A man who left a child with life changing injuries after he drove over her while he was reversing into a driveway has been given a 12-month suspended sentence. He said the court could not find any "aggravating factors" outside of the fact that Skowronski made a mistake in continuing to drive. "I think it would be unfair to imprison him," Judge Nolan continued, before he imposed a one-year sentence which he suspended in full.
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