Driver’s €4k fine for fatal crash

A French national has been fined €4,000 for careless driving causing the death of a mother-of-one in a “tragic” incident involving a Luas.

Sgt Karl Mackle said that Quentin Hannezo broke a red light and collided with a tram before skidding. The silver BMW hit Yao Webster, 35, who had been walking on a path, killing her instantly.

Hannezo, aged 31, previously of Ha’penny Bridge House, Lower Ormond Quay, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to careless driving causing the death of Ms Webster at Jervis St on April 7, 2014. He has no previous convictions.

Peter Le Vert, prosecuting, read a victim impact statement in which the victim’s husband, Robin Webster, described how his “happiness for the future has been replaced with depression, anxiety, and fear”.

Sgt Mackle told Mr Le Vert a motorist behind Hannezo’s car saw it hit the Luas, but did not notice the traffic lights changing. The witness thought the BMW had been travelling at normal speed and had not accelerated.

Sgt Mackle said forensics found there was nothing Hannezo could have done to alter the speed and course of the car . He had been driving 37-41kph in the 30kph zone.

Dominic McGinn, defending, submitted to Judge Martin Nolan Hannezo wished to apologise to the family.

The judge noted Hannezo had driven “at a relatively normal speed and missed a red light”, adding: “We are all capable of inattention, it is a human failing. We are not automatons.”