Hit‑and‑run sentence appeal delayed over solicitors’ legal‑aid dispute

A man’s appeal against a three‑month jail term for dangerous driving and a hit‑and‑run has been adjourned because of an ongoing industrial dispute among solicitors over legal‑aid fees.

Paul Dady, 40, of Sixmilebridge, County Clare, was sentenced in December 2024 after pleading guilty in Limerick District Court to dangerous driving, hit‑and‑run, failing to remain at the scene and failing to report the collision.

The incident occurred on 10 November 2024 at Ardnacrusha, County Clare, when Dady’s blue Nissan Tidda left the road, crossed both carriageways and entered a footpath, striking a 16‑year‑old boy and his younger brother. The victim was taken to University Hospital Limerick, released the next day, but was readmitted with a serious leg injury, spending a total of 13 nights in hospital.

Court proceedings

During the appeal hearing at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, State Solicitor Padraig Mawe noted the seriousness of the injuries. Dady’s barrister, Joe McMahon, instructed by solicitor Sarah Ryan, argued the sentence was too severe. However, the hearing could not proceed due to the solicitors’ dispute, and the appeal has been adjourned to 26 November.

Judge Patricia Harney, who imposed the original sentence, criticised Dady’s explanation of the event and highlighted his failure to stop and report the collision. In addition to the custodial term, Dady received a two‑year driving ban and a €500 fine, and he remains prohibited from driving while the appeal is pending.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Strange Happenings / Pexels.