A Co Dublin truck driver who was convicted last month of dangerous driving causing the death of Jade O'Reilly, of Skerries, Co Dublin, almost three years ago last night received a five-year suspended jail sentence and was disqualified from driving for 12 years by Judge Carroll Moran at Limerick Circuit Court.
Vincent Ryan, (56), of Dunemer Drive, Lusk, Co Dublin, and formerly of Rivervalley, Swords, had denied a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of the four-year-old twin on July 22nd, 2002, at Adare, Co Limerick.
During the victim impact report, Jade's father, Anthony O'Rourke, described how Jade's twin sister Erin had a bond with her sister that only twins would ever understand.
The twins were returning home from a holiday with their grandparents and extended family in Co Kerry when the fatal accident occurred. They were travelling in a convoy of three cars when their vehicle, which was being driven by their grandmother, was struck from behind by a truck.
Counsel for the truck driver told the court last night that his client, who had no previous convictions prior to this incident, was not speeding nor had he been drinking.