Saturday 31 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 18940Careless driving causing death · Co. Sligo · 5 Aug 2022

Man charged over careless driving death of girl at Enniscrone caravan park

Patrick Higgins, a 92-year-old man with an address at Killymel Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, was charged with careless driving causing the death of four-year-old Alice Dunleavy at Atlantic Caravan Park in Enniscrone, Co Sligo, on 5 August 2022. Garda Michael Cunningham gave evidence that Mr Higgins was arrested shortly after midday on 7 December 2023, the day he appeared before Sligo District Court. He made no reply when charged. Judge Deirdre Gearty sent him forward for trial, and the latest development is that the case is awaiting trial.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Charged7 Dec
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A 92-year-old man was charged with careless driving causing the death of a four-year-old girl.
Where
The death happened at Atlantic Caravan Park in Enniscrone, Co Sligo.
When
The incident happened on 5 August 2022.
Charges
  • He was charged with driving a vehicle without due care and attention causing the death of Alice Dunleavy.
  • He made no reply when charged.
Investigation
  • Garda Michael Cunningham of Tubbercurry Garda Station gave evidence of arresting him shortly after midday.
  • The arrest was made on the day of his court appearance, reported on 7 December 2023.
In court
  • He appeared before Sligo District Court.
  • Sergeant Derek Butler told Judge Deirdre Gearty that the book of evidence was ready.
  • Judge Deirdre Gearty sent the accused forward for trial.
Other details
  • His address was given as Killymel Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone.
  • The victim was named as Alice Dunleavy.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA 92-year-old man was charged with careless driving causing the death of a four-year-old girl. (rte.ie)
  • whereThe death happened at Atlantic Caravan Park in Enniscrone, Co Sligo. (rte.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on 5 August 2022. (rte.ie)
  • investigationA garda gave evidence of arresting him shortly after midday. (rte.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged with driving a vehicle without due care and attention causing the death of Alice Dunleavy. (rte.ie)
  • courtHe appeared before Sligo District Court. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe judge sent the accused forward for trial. (rte.ie)
  • otherHis address was given as Killymel Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone. (rte.ie)
  • otherHe made no reply when charged. (rte.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 7 Dec2023
    Chargedrte.ie, first report
    Man charged with careless driving causing death of girl

    First report of the charge at Sligo District Court; the accused was sent forward for trial. The article describes the incident as happening in August 2022 and says he was charged shortly after his arrest on the day of the court appearance.

    accused, Patrick Higgins, 92, male, named, irish (judged from name)Patrick Higginsvictim, Alice Dunleavy, 4, female, irish (judged from name)Alice Dunleavy