Statement from deceased garda Jones read at dangerous-driving trial

A dangerous-driving-causing-death trial has heard gardaí believed two friends of the accused had possibly “concocted” their stories because their statements were so similar.

The trial also heard a statement from Garda Ciaran Jones who was killed last week in flooding in Co Wicklow. Garda Jones was one of the first on the scene and described how he saw blood flowing down the road.

Dara O’Sullivan (aged 21) has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Liam Stafford (aged 28) at Clonard Lawns, Sandyford in the early hours of November 8, 2009.

He also pleaded not guilty to two charges of not having a valid license and one charge of no insurance.

The prosecution allege Mr O’Sullivan of Clonard Road, Dundrum sped off when the deceased and another man climbed on top of the limousine he was sitting in at the time. Mr Stafford was allegedly dragged under the car and crushed to death by the back wheel.

Responding to a question from Mr Eanna Mulloy SC, defending, Sergeant Robert Lackey said he interviewed Rory O’Connor and Geoffrey Deasy, who were both in the car with the accused.

Sgt Lackey said it seemed both men may have given “concocted stories”. He said they both described the event in a “remarkably similar manner” and gave “substantially” the same answers.

He said the men both made reference to the deceased and his friends acting aggressively as they approached the car. Sgt Lackey said no reference had been made to this at the scene although he agreed that the statements taken at the scene were “necessarily brief”.

Mr Garnet Orange BL, prosecuting, read out a statement to the jury from the late garda Jones who arrived in the aftermath of the incident. Garda Jones described seeing the limousine held up with a jack and a person underneath it.

He said he could see blood running down the road past the person’s legs before emergency workers pulled the person out and gave him CPR.

Garda Jones said he then called for assistance as there were a lot of upset, angry people at the scene.

The trial heard another statement from Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis who determined Mr Stafford died from a severe crush injury to the chest. He said the weight of the vehicle restricted chest movement meaning Mr Stafford could not breathe.

Dr Curtis also stated the deceased had cuts consistent with his being dragged. He said he was intoxicated and had a blood alcohol level of 231mg.

Prosecution evidence has concluded in the trial before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury of six men and six women.