Former Mr Ireland hit by bin lorry awarded €5m

A former Mr Ireland who suffered severe brain injuries after he was run over by a bin lorry seven years ago has been awarded just under €5m damages against Dublin City Council in the High Court.

Mr Justice Michael Peart said in a reserved judgment that Padraig Hearns’ night out on April 23, 2007, had ended in “utter tragedy, with the result that for the rest of his life he will be unable to live independently or be able to work again in any sort of meaningful employment.”

He said Mr Hearns, an air steward who worked in first class on British Airways long-haul flights, was now under the care of his elderly parents and also of his siblings.