Jury discharged in limousine death trial

A jury in the case of a youth who allegedly ran over and killed a man returning from a night out have been dismissed after failing to reach a verdict.

Dara O’Sullivan (aged 21) had 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 alleged 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.

The jury told Judge Patrica Ryan they could not reach a decision on the dangerous driving causing death charge and one charge of having no license. They returned a guilty verdict on the remaining no license charge and the no insurance charge.

After nearly three and a half hours deliberation and a six day trial, the jury foreman said: “I think we’re deadlocked and that’s not going to change.”

Judge Ryan put the case back to next week pending a new trial date and remanded O’Sullivan on continuing bail.