Ireland Driver given suspended sentence over 2018 Kerry crash that left passenger paraplegic
On 14 July 2018, a car driven by Brandon McCarthy crashed on the R558 at Ballincrossig Cross, Ballyduff, Co Kerry, leaving his backseat passenger, a 43-year-old man, with a serious spinal cord injury that left him a paraplegic. McCarthy, of Tonaknock, Abbeydorney, Co Kerry, pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to careless driving causing serious bodily harm. The judge imposed an 18-month prison sentence suspended in full for two years, disqualified McCarthy from driving for five years and fined him €7,000. The sentencing was the latest development, reported in late February 2026.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced26 Feb
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Brandon McCarthy pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm.
- The victim, a 43-year-old man and backseat passenger, suffered a serious spinal cord injury that left him a functioning paraplegic.
- Where
- The collision occurred on the R558 at Ballincrossig Cross, Ballyduff, Co Kerry.
- When
- The collision happened on July 14, 2018.
- The sentencing was reported on 26 February 2026 by the tracker and published on 27 February 2026 by Limerick Leader.
- Cause
- McCarthy said he applied the brakes but the car failed to stop in heavy drizzle after a dry spell.
- Other details
- The court heard the victim was not wearing a seatbelt.
- The court heard McCarthy was not distracted by a phone and was not under the influence of an intoxicant.
- McCarthy apologised to the victim and his family, and the judge found his remorse genuine.
- In court
- The case was heard at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.
- Sentence
- The judge imposed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended in full for two years.
- McCarthy was disqualified from driving for five years and fined €7,000.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatBrandon McCarthy pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm. (limerickleader.ie)
- whatThe victim suffered a serious spinal cord injury that left him a paraplegic. (limerickleader.ie)
- whereThe collision occurred on the R558 at Ballincrossig Cross, Ballyduff, Co Kerry. (limerickleader.ie)
- whenThe collision happened on July 14, 2018. (limerickleader.ie)
- causeMcCarthy said he applied the brakes but the car failed to stop on heavy drizzle after a dry spell. (limerickleader.ie)
- courtThe case was heard at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. (limerickleader.ie)
- sentenceThe judge imposed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended in full for two years. (limerickleader.ie)
- sentenceMcCarthy was disqualified from driving for five years. (limerickleader.ie)
- sentenceMcCarthy was fined €7,000. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherThe victim was a backseat passenger who was not wearing a seatbelt. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherThe court heard McCarthy was not distracted by a phone and was not under the influence of an intoxicant. (limerickleader.ie)
- otherMcCarthy apologised to the victim and his family, and the judge found his remorse genuine. (limerickleader.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 26 Feb2026'I'm forever trapped in my body': Back seat passenger left as functioning paraplegic , Limerick Court hears
Reports the sentencing of McCarthy at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, the victim impact statement, the judge's reasoning and the sentence. Gives the crash details, the victim's injuries and the court's sentence.
convicted, Brandon McCarthy, 27, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brandon McCarthyvictim, 43, male