Former Dublin Bus driver’s ex-partner alleged he deliberately tried to kill her in motorway collision

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 55-year-old man has appeared before Dundalk Circuit Court for sentencing following an early morning traffic collision on the motorway which his ex-partner alleged he deliberately caused to kill her.

Anthony Smyth, Orchard Villas, Newry, Co. Down, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm. A second count of endangerment is being taken into consideration.

The incident occurred north of Dundalk on May 18, 2024, between Junctions 19 and 20 of the M1.

Evidence was given that the accused and the woman had been in a 32-year relationship which ended in 2023. That September he had been allowed back into the family home in Newry.

The court heard that the victim had been “put in” an Audi 7 and driven south by Mr Smyth before he collided with the rear wheel of a lorry travelling in the same direction, causing the car to “flip”.

The woman alleged that he crashed deliberately into the lorry at more than 100mph as he tried to kill her.

Anthony Smyth, who is originally from Dublin, claimed that it was an accident which occurred when he bent to retrieve a dropped cigarette. Driving conditions were good and the car had no defects.

He appeared in court via video link having been remanded in custody since the incident.

Det Gda Brendan Duffy said that Gardaí arrived on the scene at 7.15am. Two articulated trucks were parked on the side of the motorway, while a crashed car was stopped in the overtaking lane. It had “flipped”.

A female passenger called Gardaí over to tell them to be careful of a man who was being treated by firefighters. She said, “He will try to jump into traffic".

She also alleged that he crashed deliberately into the lorry at a speed in excess of 100mph.

The car had been on the outside lane. She said the defendant began “skirting” between two flat bed lorries which were travelling in the same direction. He increased the speed to around 100/110mph.

There was a large bang. Smoke was in the car and there was a burning smell. The woman panicked. She couldn’t get the door open. She blacked out for a moment or two.

The injured lady was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

Det Gda Duffy said that the victim couldn’t remember the car flipping or rolling. She remembered accusing the defendant of crashing deliberately.

She said he was deliberately trying to kill her. She was terrified the car would go on fire.

The court heard that Mr Smyth told Gardaí that it was an accident. He had dropped a cigarette and bent to pick it up causing the crash. A cigarette butt was located in the footwell.

Statements were taken from the two lorry drivers. Dashcam footage from one of the vehicles was viewed by the judge.

In a Victim Impact Statement which was read out on her behalf the woman, who was present in court, said what happened continued to affect her life. Making the statement brought back every horrifying moment.

She suffered a traumatic brain injury and was left an emotional wreck, unable to work. She couldn’t sleep and had night terrors, leaving her tired and anxious.

"He’s not a man. He’s evil and a predator,” she said of the defendant.

"I feared he would escape the guards. If I had died he would have received sympathy and nobody would have known.”

The woman continued that the charges don’t give proper credence to what he did.

"He may be the one on remand in prison, I too have been given a sentence with no limit.”

Barrister Stephen Faulkner, instructed by solicitor Neil Manley, said that Mr Smyth’s family had relocated to Newry. He attended Abbey CBS and St Paul’s, Bessbrook.

At age 22 he was among the first at the scene when an RUC vehicle was blown up in Newry and he assisted in gathering the dismembered body of a police constable.

He drove for Dublin Bus for a time and worked in logistics for construction companies until the economy crashed.

Mr Smyth was comfort eating and obese. His partner was effectively waiting on him hand and foot. He was 26 stone when he went into custody and had lost ten stone in prison.

A psychological report and letter of apology where handed into court.

Mr Faulkner said the defendant did not want to minimise what happened to the victim.

Judge Hayes said it was the prosecution’s case it was not an accident and “done with a significant degree of deliberation”.

Counsel continued there had been “disharmony” in the relationship.

It was extremely serious what happened. The Victim Impact Statement spoke volumes. Mr Smyth was deeply apologetic for what the lady has gone through.

The court was advised that he could live with his sister who had a Dublin address.

Judge Hayes remanded Anthony Smyth in custody via video link to July 30 for finalisation of the case. He said there will be a custodial sentence.