20,000 protest decision not to prosecute Halvey

MORE than 20,000 people have signed a petition calling on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to reverse his decision to drop a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of a Co Limerick schoolboy brought against former rugby international, Eddie Halvey.

The petition was organised by the family of Kevin Walsh, 16, from Bruff, Co Limerick, who lost his life on April 1, 2006, in a road accident involving a vehicle driven by Mr Halvey.

He still faces a drink driving charge arising out of the same road crash, which happened near Toomevara.

Kate Walsh, Kevin Walsh’s mother, intends to personally deliver the petition. She said she was delighted with the public response.

Ms Walsh said: “If the DPP doesn’t change the decision, I will hold a rally. We need justice for Kevin. We are still devastated and I will do anything to get our day in court. We are at a loss as to why the charge was dropped. In November, there was a book of evidence and a case, and then all of a sudden, nothing.”

Mr Halvey, 36, was due to stand trial next month on charges of dangerous driving causing death. He still faces a District Court case for alleged drink driving.

Last month, the DPP withdrew the charge of dangerous driving causing death.

The decision was relayed to Ms Walsh by gardaí. No reason was given by the DPP.

Ms Walsh said it was hard to watch Mr Halvey on TV walking free from court and “getting on with his life”.

She said: “It’s still as painful as it was on the first of April 2006 when the guards came to the door. Every day it’s harder and harder to cope. Kevin should be celebrating his 18th birthday on March 26.

“When we get all the petitions together I am going to take them to the DPP myself. I don’t think people are allowed to meet him, but I am still going to take them up.”

The DPP, James Hamilton, said last month he wants to review the policy of not giving reasons for decisions taken by his office.