Van driver who hit cyclist causing severe brain trauma is jailed for one year

A 21-year-old man from Longford has been sentenced to one year in custody at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a dangerous driving incident in Blanchardstown, Dublin on August 2nd, 2013. Dylan Meade of An Cussan, Lisbrack Road pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm, failing to remain at the scene, driving without a valid licence and driving without insurance. The court heard that Meade struck a cyclist at approximately 57 kilometres per hour, causing severe brain trauma and four months of amnesia. Judge Catherine Murphy imposed a three and a half year sentence with two and a half years suspended, subject to strict conditions including probation supervision, abstinence from alcohol and drugs, and attendance at mental health appointments. The judge noted that non-compliance would result in activation of the suspended portion. The cyclist, who suffered significant neurological injury, submitted a victim impact statement describing the profound effect on his family and future prospects.