John Stokes given fully suspended 12-month sentence for careless driving causing serious injury

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

John Stokes was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended in full, for careless driving causing serious bodily harm after a head-on collision that injured three passengers. Judge Elma Sheahan also disqualified him from driving for 12 months. The suspended sentence is subject to conditions, including 12 months’ engagement with the Probation Service, urine analysis and participation in addiction services.

Stokes had pleaded guilty to the offence, which the DPP accepted on a full-facts basis. The collision happened on Lower Lucan Road on May 2, 2021. One passenger suffered fractures to her spine and ribs, spent several days in hospital and wore a brace for 12 weeks; the other two passengers were also injured.