A man whose drunk driving caused the death of a computer programmer on his way home after celebrating his 29th birthday has been jailed for three years by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Peter Joyce (23), of Dunsink Lane, Finglas, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death of Kenneth Neilson on May 6th, 2003, at Forest Grove, Swords.
Sgt William Hughes told prosecuting counsel Ms Caroline Biggs BL that Joyce lied about how much drink he had taken before driving the car.
Joyce claimed he had one pint of Guinness but Garda investigations revealed he had actually drunk "a substantial amount", including double shots of Vodka.
Judge Michael White said he had considered the evidence given by the deceased man's mother who had travelled to Dublin from the country that day to celebrate his 29th birthday with him.
He had also considered the submissions made on Joyce's behalf by Mr Anthony Sammon SC and the fact that Joyce was genuinely remorseful about his behaviour and its consequences.
Judge White said he accepted that the psychological impact on Joyce had been deep and took into account his own young age and that he had a young family to look after.