Courts / Galway / Report

Drunk, disqualified driver who caused death with unroadworthy, overloaded car has sentence cut on appeal

Summary

Brian McDonagh, aged 25, was convicted of dangerous driving causing the death of his 19‑year‑old friend Thomas McDonagh in a single‑vehicle crash near Kylemore, Connemara, on 2 February 2014. He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance. The original sentence was 10 years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, and a 20‑year driving disqualification. On appeal, the Court of Appeal found the maximum sentence excessive and noted that a psychiatric report showing McDonagh's remorse had not been considered. The sentence was reduced to eight years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, and he was required to enter a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. The driving disqualification remains in force. The appeal did not alter the fact that the incident involved an uninsured, unroadworthy, overloaded car and that McDonagh was two‑and‑a‑half times over the alcohol limit.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Drunk, disqualified driver who caused death with unroadworthy, overloaded car has sentence cut on appeal. Charges or matters: dangerous driving causing the death of his friend Thomas McDonagh (19) in a single-vehicle incident near Kylemore, Connemara on February 2, 2014. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• February 2, 2014 Incident
• July 7, 2015 Incident
• 2016-07-08 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report