Courts / Dublin / Report

Driver who 'didn't have courage' to show up for sentencing is jailed after leaving musician with 'catastrophic injuries'

Date
2025-10-20

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Mihail Trofim, 27, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment after failing to attend his original sentencing hearing for careless driving causing serious bodily harm. The offence occurred on 8 June 2022 when his Mercedes struck a pedestrian on Old Navan Road, Blanchardstown, at 83–88 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. The victim, a 32‑year‑old musician, sustained catastrophic injuries, including brain damage, broken limbs and ribs, and now requires a wheelchair and constant care. Trofim pleaded guilty to the charge and to having no insurance, which he had purchased from a fraudulent broker. Judge Martin Nolan noted Trofim's lack of courage to appear, his failure to arrange a timely court appearance, and the aggravating impact on the victim's family. He was also disqualified from driving for five years. The court adjourned the case to allow for sentencing, which was carried out today.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Driver who 'didn't have courage' to show up for sentencing is jailed after leaving musician with 'catastrophic injuries'. Charges or matters: careless driving causing serious bodily harm on June 8, 2022, at the Old Navan Road, Blanchardstown; having no insurance on the day. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

June 8, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
2025-10-20 Publication

Why: The court heard that Trofim, who has no previous convictions, was fully co-operative with gardaí "Because of the sunlight, I didn't see him cross," he said. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

Mihail Trofim

Defendant

Charges: careless driving causing serious bodily harm on June 8, 2022, at the Old Navan Road, Blanchardstown; having no insurance on the day (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He said he had come to the conclusion the Trofim deserved a custodial sentence. He imposed a six-month custodial sentence and disqualified him from driving for five years.; Mihail Trofim (27), failed to appear for finalisation of sentencing earlier this year.