Courts / Dublin / Report

Careless driver who left cyclist 'tortured' by sound of breaking bones avoids jail

Date
2026-05-06

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Swords

County
Dublin

Summary

A woman who drove over a cyclist, leaving him "tortured" by the sound of his breaking bones, has been given a fully suspended sentence. Izabella Aleksandrowicz, 50, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm to Andrew Brett in December 2023. Brett, an experienced marathon runner, suffered internal injuries, a fractured pelvis, and was left unable to return to competitive running. He described the accident as the worst day of his life and said he was "tortured" by the sound of his bones breaking. Aleksandrowicz, who remained at the scene and had no prior convictions, was given a 12-month suspended sentence and a two-year driving ban. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged the devastating impact on Brett and his family but noted Aleksandrowicz's remorse and low risk of re-offending. Brett's victim impact statement highlighted the life-changing effects of the accident, including ongoing physical and emotional trauma.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Careless driver who left cyclist 'tortured' by sound of breaking bones avoids jail. Charges or matters: careless driving causing serious bodily harm to Andrew Brett in Dublin City Centre on December 11, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

December 11, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
February 2024 Other
Christmas Other
2026-05-06 Publication

Case subjects

Izabella Aleksandrowicz

Defendant

Charges: careless driving causing serious bodily harm to Andrew Brett in Dublin City Centre on December 11, 2023 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Crowe said a headline sentence of 18 months was appropriate before she imposed a sentence of 12 months, which she suspended for two years. Aleksandrowicz was also disqualified from driving for two years.; Judge Orla Crowe had previously adjourned the case having heard evidence last February.