Drug driver jailed for crash that left Cork taxi driver in seven-week coma and close to dying

The taxi driver remain on extensive medication and endure chronic pain, Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard

The taxi driver was parked on the hard shoulder in his silver Peugeot Partner car when it was struck by the defendant’s white Renault Kangoo van causing extensive damage. File picture: iStock

A taxi driver who pulled into the hard shoulder to check details of his next journey had his life changed forever by a driver with cannabis in his blood who crashed into his car near Carrigtwohill and caused him devastating injuries.

42-year-old David O’Sullivan of Cleremont Cottages, South Douglas Road, Cork, was jailed on Wednesday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where Judge Dermot Sheehan imposed a three-year term with the last two years suspended and banned him from driving for six years.

An aggravating factor in this case which relates to an incident in August 2023 was the fact that David O’Sullivan had a previous conviction for drink driving from Bantry District Court in 2016.

Judge Sheehan said: “Mr O’Sullivan has a previous for drunk driving. It is quite some time ago but in anybody’s life it is a warning and a warning that should be heeded. He was warned about driving under the influence. It should sink in but it didn’t, he returned to his behaviour in 2023.” 

Garda Kieran Cotter gave evidence that the taxi driver, 60-year-old John McCarthy of Cobh was parked on the hard shoulder in his silver Peugeot Partner car when it was struck by the defendant’s white Renault Kangoo van causing extensive damage. Mr McCarthy was in an induced coma for seven weeks and spent a total of 134 days in hospital as a result of his injuries.

Mr McCarthy said: “I believe on more than one occasion it was touch and go as to whether I would survive. This sometimes haunts me as to how close I came to dying and the life I nearly missed out on. 

"The road to recovery has been isolating and painful, and I continue to grapple with continuous pain and with the loss of my full independence. I remain on extensive medication and endure chronic pain as part of my new reality. 

The accident resulted in an acquired brain injury, causing me some cognitive issues and a frustrating short-term memory loss. In addition to the physical and emotional toll, the financial impact of this accident has been devastating. 

"Being effectively unable to work for 12 months deprived me of my primary source of income, creating significant financial hardship. The loss of earnings, coupled with ongoing medical and rehabilitation expenses, has compounded the strain on my life and well-being.

“Before Mr O'Sullivan's dangerous driving caused this accident, I was an independent and active individual who made my livelihood as a taxi driver. This career was not only my source of income but also a fundamental part of my identity. Due to my extensive injuries, I was left unable to work for an extended period.

“However, a year after my accident I defied the odds and returned to driving my taxi on school runs. The taxi I drive has been modified to accommodate my permanent physical disability.

“The dangerous and irresponsible actions of David O'Sullivan did not only cause a collision, they inflicted immense and lasting suffering upon me and my family.

“I have no animosity towards David O'Sullivan. I want him to understand that there were severe consequences for me as an individual who was simply trying to do the right thing and park up safely as I wrote down the pick-up address of my next customer. 

David O'Sullivan, by your choices, to take illegal drugs and drive, you have inflicted life-changing consequences upon me. The suffering, pain, and loss I have endured are immeasurable, and I hope you recognize the gravity of your actions.

“However, I do not see myself as a victim and am determined that this will not define the remainder of my life. Due to the multiple challenges I have overcome, and my resilient mindset, I have been invited back as a speaker to two trauma conferences at CUH. My positive recovery experiences are seen as significant by those at CUH, given the pain and trauma I endured.” 

Donal O’Sullivan, senior counsel, expressed the defendant’s remorse and apologies. “He has taken the opportunity to go about treatment. He has gone on a long road — some would prefer to go to jail rather than go into treatment,” the senior counsel said.

David O’Sullivan pleaded guilty to driving with excess cannabis in his blood, and to the most serious charge — dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Mr McCarthy.