Courts / Dublin / Report

Driver took litre of vodka and two grams of cocaine before he knocked down toddler

Summary

Ciaran Lane, 25, of Cabra, was jailed for five years after he drove a green car at 80 kph, well over the 50 kph limit, in Phoenix Park on 6 April 2015. He had drunk a litre of vodka and taken two grams of cocaine before the collision. The vehicle struck a 23‑month‑old toddler, Vanessa Siatka, at the Ratra Triangle, causing fatal head injuries. Lane failed to stop after the impact, drove a few metres, and only later reported the incident to Cabra Garda Station. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death. The court noted his lack of insurance, prior convictions, and the tragic loss of a young life. He was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the last two years suspended, and banned from driving for 20 years. The case was described as an avoidable tragedy by the judge.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Driver took litre of vodka and two grams of cocaine before he knocked down toddler. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• April 6, 2015 Incident
• Monday, April 6, 2015 Other
• February 2011 Incident
• 2016-04-19 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report