Boy, 16, sustained fatal injuries after car collided with wall

A DUBLIN man has been given a three-year suspended sentence, a fine and a 20-year driving ban for dangerous driving causing the death of his friend two years ago.

James Doyle, aged 20, lost control of the car he was driving after leaving a bend in a country road when travelling at a “significant speed.” The car collided with a wall causing Dylan McGrath, aged 16, fatal injuries. Gardaí are satisfied there was no other car involved.

Sergeant Niamh Molloy said both men were wearing seatbelts and no drink or drugs were involved.

Doyle of Meegans Lane, Crooksling, Saggart, pleaded guilty earlier this week to dangerous driving causing the death of Mr McGrath at Lyons Road, Newcastle on August 12, 2008.

Judge Patrick McCartan said it was a difficult case to decide and expressed his sympathy to Dylan’s family. He said he was disturbed that Doyle has since accrued a number of road traffic offences.

He said he was moved that Dylan’s parents both said they believed imprisoning Doyle would not serve a purpose but noted that the courts had a wider responsibility in raising awareness of the dangers of these offences and creating a deterrent.

He imposed a three-year sentence which he suspended in full on condition Doyle carry out 240 hours community service. He also imposed a €5,000 fine and banned him from driving for 20 years.

Greg McGrath, Dylan’s father, told Colm Ó Briain BL, prosecuting, in his victim impact statement that his life had been “turned upside down” by the events.

He said he was woken in the early hours of the morning by two gardaí, who told him Dylan had died. “That night my life changed for ever.”

He described going to Dylan’s mother’s house to break the news before going to the hospital to identify Dylan’s body, which he said was “the hardest thing I ever had to do.”

He said he “offered the hand of friendship” to Doyle at the hospital and after Dylan’s funeral but did not believe he had shown any remorse.