Motorcyclist jailed after pedestrian seriously injured in Walkinstown

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

James Doyle was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 28 March 2023. Judge Martin Nolan imposed the sentence.

Doyle pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Emily Doyle. The proceedings were reported on 28 March 2023.

Doyle struck Emily Doyle on Cromwellsfort Road, Walkinstown, on 23 April 2020. Judge Nolan said the evidence suggested Doyle had been travelling at up to 130 km/h in a 50 km/h area, and at about 80 to 90 km/h at the point of impact.

Defence counsel said Doyle had attempted to swerve and avoid contact, and that a forensic report recorded a reduction in speed. Counsel said there was no racing or aggressive driving. A garda agreed that the issue had been speed and that there had been no showing off or reckless conduct.

Emily Doyle suffered fractures to both legs and her spine, and a dislocated shoulder. She spent three months in hospital and underwent several surgeries. She described ongoing pain, scarring and reduced mobility.

Doyle had 47 previous convictions. Defence counsel said he had replaced medication for ADHD with alcohol and drugs, leading to convictions over a four-year period about 17 years earlier. Counsel said Doyle had completed residential drug treatment and turned his life around.

Judge Nolan considered Doyle’s co-operation with the investigation, remorse and good work history when sentencing him. Defence counsel also reiterated Doyle’s apology to Emily Doyle.

This case may have concluded differently. The outcome has not yet been confirmed by a public source we could find.