David McCann given fully suspended sentence for careless driving causing death

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

David McCann was given a 12-month sentence, suspended in full, and disqualified from driving for four years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Orla Crowe sentenced him after he pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of Ann Watters in Ringsend, Dublin 4, on 20 April 2024.

The court heard that McCann was not looking at the road as he turned, and that his van struck Ann Watters while she was crossing. She never regained consciousness after suffering severe head injuries and was pronounced dead three days later. The report said CCTV showed the van cutting the junction corner and crossing the centre of the street.

Judge Crowe described the footage as “harrowing” but noted there was no excessive speed, intoxication or mechanical defect. The court took account of McCann’s cooperation, remorse and remaining at the scene. Defence counsel David Staunton BL said McCann was unfamiliar with Ringsend, was using Google Maps and looking at signs, and that his employer regarded him as a valued employee. The proceedings were reported on 27 January 2026.