Man (37) faces upgraded charge of dangerous driving causing death
The Wicklow PeopleA Georgian national accused of causing the death of a father-of-two, when he allegedly drove a front dumper without due care and attention, has had the charge against him upgraded to dangerous driving causing death.
Tarieli Schatz (37), of the Grand Hotel, Abbey Street, Wicklow town, Co. Wicklow, appeared before Bray District Court for the re-entry of charges.
He is currently facing seven charges for various alleged offences.
Mr Schatz had previously been charged that, on July 2, 2025, he drove a Thwaites front dumper without due care and attention, thereby causing the death of John Maher, a married father-of-two from Co. Kildare.
The court was told that the charge is now being upgraded to dangerous driving causing death, following a review of the investigation file.
The original charge of careless driving causing death carried a maximum penalty of up to two years in prison, but the upgraded dangerous driving causing death charge now carries a maximum sentence of up to ten years’ imprisonment and a mandatory driving disqualification of at least four years.
The court was informed that when charged with the upgraded offence, Mr Schatz said through his interpreter: “I have nothing to say, I want to talk to my solicitor.”
Ciara O’Brien BL, instructed by Michael O’Connor, told the court that the more minor offences can be dealt with on Thursday, November 13.
It is alleged that, on April 16, 2025, Mr Schatz was found in possession of a controlled drug in the car park of the Grand Hotel.
On the same date, he is accused of driving without a licence on Abbey Street, Wicklow town. Further charges arising from that incident include driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.
Mr Schatz is also accused of driving without insurance on March 9, 2025, at Newrath, Rathnew, and of failing to produce an insurance certificate when requested by gardaí.
The court heard that a new bail application will be made on Thursday.
Judge David Kennedy adjourned the matter until Thursday, November 13, for Mr Schatz to appear at Bray District Court.