Hit-and-run driver spoke to gardaí at crash scene

The driver in a hit and run which caused the death of a 14-year-old boy returned and spoke to gardaí before leaving the scene.

Thu, 14 May, 2015 - 01:00

Gareth Naughton

Ruadhan Tracey claimed at Dublin Coroner’s Court he had the green light when he struck Conor Hickey from Saint Attracta Road in Cabra, Dublin 7, at a junction on Fassaugh Road on December 2, 2011. Conor suffered a fatal head injury and died the following day at Temple St Hospital.

Mary Fenlon, who was waiting at the junction behind another car, said Conor had the green light to cross the road and had just stepped onto it when a silver car “came out of nowhere” and struck him.

The silver car then “just drove on”.

Her brother-in-law John Blake, who was driving their car, said the silver car appeared suddenly. “It must have been flying,” he said.

In March last year, Tracey pleaded guilty to careless driving causing Conor’s death, receiving a 20-month sentence. He was brought from prison to court to give evidence. He told the coroner he was going no faster than 30 miles an hour and the lights were green for him. “Someone ran out in front of me and I hadn’t time to stop.”

The jury found that Conor died as a result of the car being driven without due care and attention and recommended maintenance of the lights be addressed.