A mechanic who killed an American tourist when he lost control of his car doing over 60 mph has been jailed for one year at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
One of the victim's daughters witnessed her mother's death on the Carrickbrack Road in Howth where a sightseeing tour coach had stopped to allow tourists admire the scenery.
Paul Mulvaney (22) told gardaí he swerved to avoid a small dog in the middle of the road and struck 52-year-old Mrs Judith Patricia Martin. His friend, who was with him, backed up this claim.
Garda Tadhg Mulhalley told Mr Paul Burns BL, prosecuting, however, that the friend later came forward and admitted there was no dog. He said Mulvaney was travelling at high speed and he felt he was just showing off. He hit Mrs Martin and then skidded 157 ft along the footpath before careering into a wall.
Mulvaney, from Seacrest, Baldoyle, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death to Mrs Martin on October 28th, 2001.
Mr Patrick Gageby SC, for Mulvaney, said his client was only insured in the car for three weeks before the incident but had been insured on a motorbike for five years. He had no intention of driving again.
"It is quite clear that the courts would not normally impose a custodial sentence on someone of your background but I'm of the opinion that there must be a custodial sentence in this case due to the speed you used and your incorrect statement to gardaí", said Judge Michael White.
Judge White disqualifed Mulvaney from driving for 10 years.