Courts / Wicklow / Report

Dangerous driving charge against ambulance driver dismissed after judge watches dash cam footage

Summary

In a case heard at Dún Laoghaire District Court, a dangerous driving charge against ambulance driver Josh Hayes (24) was dismissed after the judge reviewed dash‑cam footage. The footage, captured by a different driver, showed a learner motorist who had unintentionally edged into Hayes's lane moments before the collision. The learner's car, coming from a slip road, merged into the lane and then moved further left into the inner lane directly in front of the ambulance. The ambulance struck the back of the learner's car, causing it to overturn. Both the driver and passenger sustained whiplash and bruising. Hayes had been driving with lights and sirens on while transporting a psychiatric patient. The judge, Anne Watkin, found that the learner's movement was the decisive factor and that the ambulance driver's actions were justified under the circumstances, leading to the dismissal of the charge. Josh Hayes pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dangerous driving charge against ambulance driver dismissed after judge watches dash cam footage. Charges or matters: dangerous driving at Cabinteely on 20 March 2024, contrary to section 53(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 20 March 2024 Incident
• 2025-11-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report