Courts / Meath / Report
Hit-and-run driver who caused death of boy (14) will have license restored early
Summary
Ruadhan Tracey, a 44-year-old man who caused the death of a 14-year-old boy in a hit-and-run accident, will have his driving license restored early despite opposition from the victim's family and gardai. Tracey received a 20-month jail sentence in 2014 for careless driving causing death and failing to remain at the scene. The court heard that the disqualification from driving was the only penalty he faced, as his prison term ran concurrently with another sentence. Judge Orla Crowe noted the tragic circumstances of the case and the loss of the 14-year-old boy, but ruled that it was appropriate to restore Tracey's license in May 2027. Tracey, who has since rehabilitated and has not been in trouble since 2018, argued that the license would help him in his new job. The victim's family expressed their opposition, with the father describing the loss as a tsunami that destroyed their lives. The court acknowledged the family's pain but ruled in favor of restoring the license, emphasizing Tracey's efforts at rehabilitation and his current good conduct.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Hit-and-run driver who caused death of boy (14) will have license restored early. Charges or matters: careless driving causing the death of Conor Hickey at Faussagh Road, in Cabra, on December 2, 2011. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 2, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 2027 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 12, 2027 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 3 Adjournment
- December 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 4 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017 and 2018 Other
- 2026-02-03 Publication
Why: He said he had taken methadone that day and the reason he drove off was because he had no licence or insurance. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: careless driving causing the death of Conor Hickey at Faussagh Road, in Cabra, on December 2, 2011 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Ruadhan Tracey (44) of Lagore Green, Dunshaughlin, Meath, received a 20-month jail sentence in 2014 but the State argued the ban was effectively the only penalisation, as his prison time ran alongside another term he was already serving. At that 2014 sentence hearing, then Judge Mary Ellen Ring said she was bound by legislation before she imposed the prison term and disqualified Tracey from driving for 20 years.; Judge Crowe adjourned the case to February 3, next and asked Mr Le Vert to open the relevant case law before the court on that date.
Places mentioned
- Dunshaughlin
- Faussagh Road
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Faussagh Road
- Temple Street
- Temple Street Children's Hospital
Topics
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