Thursday 5 November 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. 31005Careless driving · Co. Kildare · 21 Dec 2020

Man sentenced for collision with truck at Healy's Bridge, Prosperous

Paul Melinca, 20, of Maynooth, was sentenced at Naas District Court for driving a car that collided with a large truck at Healy's Bridge, near Prosperous, Kildare, on 21 December 2020, injuring four occupants. Judge Desmond Zaidan imposed a two-year driving ban and a €1,000 fine.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced1 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
17 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe car came over the bridge and hit the lorry. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatIn Sgt Kelly's opinion, there was room for only one vehicle at a time on the bridge. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe defendant sustained a dislodged vertebrae and cannot lift. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatOther injuries included a cruciate ligament injury, concussion, and a fractured jaw. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatOne occupant's teeth came through his lip. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe defendant did not see the truck until it was too late. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe defendant is an apprentice electrician. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe car was completely written off. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe truck driver was uninjured. (kildarenow.com)
  • whatThe entire front of the car was pushed in. (kildarenow.com)
  • whenThe incident took place on 21 December 2020. (kildarenow.com)
  • courtThe case was heard at Naas District Court before Judge Desmond Zaidan. (kildarenow.com)
  • courtSgt Jim Kelly gave evidence about the collision. (kildarenow.com)
  • courtDefending solicitor Tim Kennelly represented the defendant. (kildarenow.com)
  • sentenceThe judge imposed a two-year driving ban and a €1,000 fine. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherThe defendant has no previous convictions. (kildarenow.com)
  • otherPersonal injury claims are being brought in connection with the incident. (kildarenow.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 1 Mar2022
    Sentencedkildarenow.com, first report
    Four injured after Kildare canal bridge crash, court told

    Court hearing at Naas District Court where the defendant was found guilty and sentenced for the collision that injured four car occupants.

    convicted, Paul Melinca, 20, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Paul Melincavictimvictimvictim, male