Darren Kershaw jailed for three and a half years over crash while avoiding checkpoint

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Darren Kershaw was jailed for three and a half years after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm, failing to remain at the scene and driving over the alcohol limit. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a four-and-a-half-year sentence and suspended its final 12 months subject to conditions, including that Kershaw remain free of drugs and alcohol.

The court heard that Kershaw made a U-turn near a Garda checkpoint, then mounted the pavement while turning onto Landen Road, struck traffic lights and hit Ranyfrancia DaSilva, who was walking home with her husband. She suffered multiple skull fractures and back injuries. The court was told that she continued to experience dizziness, headaches and disturbed sleep and had been unable to return to her delivery job.