Man accused of dangerous driving causing death denies colluding with friends

A young man accused of dangerous driving causing death has today denied in evidence that he colluded with his friends when giving a statement to gardaí.

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.

The prosecution allege that 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.

Mr O'Sullivan denied under cross examination by prosecution counsel, Mr Garnet Orange BL, that he was trying the portray the deceased and his friends in the "worst possible light".

"I never meant to do him (the deceased) or his friends any harm at all," he said.

Mr Orange put it to O'Sullivan that he and other witnesses who were in the car had colluded to give very similar statements to gardai.

Mr O'Sullivan said: "I think if a number of people see the same thing and they all tell the truth then it would be very similar".

O'Sullivan told defence counsel, Mr Eanna Mulloy SC, that he was in a "complete panic" and "scared" when the deceased and his friend jumped on the car.

O'Sullivan then started the car and twice revved the engine in the hope the deceased and his friend would get off the car.

O'Sullivan told Mr Mulloy he then drove forward and while he was doing so the deceased fell onto the bonnet, on which he had been standing, and then slipped underneath the front of the car before O'Sullivan pressed the brake.

O'Sullivan said the whole thing happened in a matter of seconds.

The accused then detailed how he and his friend Geoffery Deasy used a jack to raise the car in an effort to release the deceased and took advice from emergency services on how best to aid the deceased.

O'Sullivan said: "I did all I could. I would have done whatever I could. I would have given him CPR but we were told not to."

The trial continues before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury of six men and six women.