A Garda (Irish police officer) named Neil Doyle is facing trial for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm. The incident involved a Brazilian delivery driver, João Henrique Ferreira, who had his leg severed by a car on the M50 motorway in Dublin, Ireland, on October 28th, 2023.
Mr. Ferreira, who had been in Ireland for five years, was assisting friends with a stolen bicycle when the accident occurred. Following an investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), Garda Doyle was charged.
The case was initially heard in Dublin District Court. Mr. Ferreira, who traveled from Brazil for the proceedings, expressed concern about the severity of his injuries. The judge noted that the case could remain in the District Court if the accused pleaded guilty, otherwise it would proceed to the Circuit Court. The case was adjourned for four weeks to allow for disclosure of evidence to the defense and to enable Garda Doyle to consider his plea.
A garda faces trial after a Brazilian delivery driver’s leg was severed by a car on the M50 in Dublin in 2023.
João Henrique Ferreira (25), who had lived in Ireland for five years, suffered serious injuries when he was hit by a car at a slip road to the motorway in Tallaght.
When the incident allegedly occurred, he had been assisting friends in locating a stolen bicycle.
Following an investigation by the police ombudsman Fiosrú, (formerly Gsoc), criminal proceedings have begun.
Garda Neil Doyle, of Dundrum Garda station, was summonsed to appear at Dublin District Court on a charge of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm at Junction 11 north, at the M50 on October 28th, 2023.
The garda, dressed in a suit and tie, stood forward when the case was called, but did not address the court.
The prosecution told Judge Michele Finan that this was the first listing of the case.
Lawrence Masterson BL, instructed by solicitor Daniel Hughes, representing Mr Ferreira, said his client had travelled back from Brazil solely for the proceedings and “was anxious for the court to hear from him about the seriousness of the injuries”.
Judge Finan noted that the Director of Public Prosecutions had authorised the case to stay in the District Court if the accused pleaded guilty.
Otherwise, it would have to go to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers.
Judge Finan held off on hearing an outline of the allegations.
The accused has not indicated a plea and his barrister asked for disclosure of prosecution evidence.
Judge Finan noted that Mr Ferreira was set to go back to Brazil for further prosthetic surgery in two weeks.
The prosecutor sought a four-week adjournment, which the judge granted.
She also ordered the prosecution to provide the defence solicitor, Liz Hughes, with disclosure of evidence “as soon as possible” so the garda’s legal team can “consider his position” and his plea.
She told Garda Doyle he must return on June 12th to indicate a plea, and for the court to consider jurisdiction, and confirm his trial venue.
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