Courts / Dublin / Report
Two years for "Micro sleep" driver who caused death of young mum
Summary
Anthony Handley, 64, was jailed for two years after his off‑road jeep, while he was in a brief micro‑sleep, veered off the road and struck a young mother, Olivia Dunne, and her 15‑week‑old daughter, Éabha Dunne, near Balbriggan on 17 January 2014. Olivia Dunne, 31, died instantly; Éabha suffered severe injuries, including multiple broken bones, and remains in a coma with ongoing medical needs. Handley had no alcohol or drugs in his system and had only four hours of sleep the night before. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Patrick McCartan refused a suspended sentence, citing Handley's fatigue as an aggravating factor, and imposed a two‑year custodial term and a ten‑year driving ban. The judge emphasised the need for drivers to remain alert and expressed sympathy for the victims' families. The case highlights the dangers of driving while tired.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Two years for "Micro sleep" driver who caused death of young mum. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of Olivia Dunne and serious bodily harm to Éabha Dunne in Balbriggan on January 17, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 17, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-05-10 Publication
Why: " Ms Dunne's husband of 18 months, Ciaran, said he was only alive today because Éabha survived. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: dangerous driving causing the death of Olivia Dunne and serious bodily harm to Éabha Dunne in Balbriggan on January 17, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) A man who killed a young mother and seriously injured her 15 week old child when he hit them with his car while in "a micro-sleep" has been jailed for two years. Judge Patrick McCartan refused a defence plea for a suspended sentence.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence
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