Garda sent for trial over N7 crash that killed three men

Tom Tuite

A garda accused of endangering life during an incident where three men died in a collision in Dublin has been sent forward for trial before a Circuit Court judge and jury.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) authorised charges after the Garda ombudsman (Gsoc) investigated the fatal crash which claimed the life of three of a Tallaght-based gang.

Dean Maguire (29), Karl Freeman (26) and Graham Taylor (31) died instantly when a BMW car burst into flames following a head-on crash with a truck between Citywest and Baldonnel on July 7th, 2021, while they were driving on the wrong side of the N7 fleeing gardaí.

Garda John Francis Ryan, of Tallaght station, is accused of endangerment of life.

He was first summonsed to Dublin District Court in June last year, and the matter was adjourned to October when the court ordered the prosecution to hand over relevant material, including video footage.

Three further adjournments followed that hearing.

Judge Michele Finan was told that "the DPP directed summary disposal on a guilty plea" in the District Court. Otherwise, it would go to the Circuit Court, which, on conviction, has broader sentencing powers.

"The position is that a book of evidence is required," a prosecutor told the court, because the accused is contesting the case.

On Wednesday, the prosecution served the officer with a book of evidence.

Judge Finan then granted a return for trial order, sending him forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be listed on July 18th.

The charge, under section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Persons Act, alleges he drove westwards on the eastwards auxiliary lane between Rathcoole and Citywest in a reckless manner, which posed a substantial risk of death or serious injury to a member of the public.

At his first hearing on June 28th last year, his solicitor sought disclosure of prosecution evidence "with any CCTV footage". A Gsoc officer said there would be compliance.

The court has also ordered the media not to publish the garda's address.

A coroner's inquest into the three men's deaths has already been opened but adjourned pending the outcome of the judicial process.