Driver jailed for fatal crash

A male driver, who crashed after attempting a hand-brake turn, resulting in the death of his best friend, has been jailed for six months by a Dublin court.

19-year old Gary Kelly from Markievicz House, Pearse Street, Dublin, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death. The man who died was godfather of Kelly’s only child.

The accident happened after Kelly offered his friend Brian McCluskey a lift home from a house party in Ballyfermot during April of last year.

As they travelled towards the victim’s home, Kelly joked that he was a taxi driver and started taking a longer route. Following that, he attempted a hand-brake turn to put the car on the proper route.

However, they went out of control and smashed into a pillar of railing.

Mr McCluskey suffered severe head injuries and died half an hour later.

Judge Elizabeth Dunne said this was a tragic case and was proof that people had to obey driving regulations.