Ireland Sentencing hearing over Drinagh crash that killed unborn baby, Wexford
Saoirse Aylward, who was 31 weeks pregnant, was involved in a serious collision on 24 January 2024 at Ballygillane Big, Drinagh, on the main Rosslare Road in Co Wexford, and later learned in hospital that she had lost her baby boy, Jax. Yurii Dudek, a man, was arrested shortly after speaking to gardaí at the scene and taken to Wexford Garda Station for interview, and he is charged with dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm, an allegation not yet proven. At Wexford Circuit Criminal Court, Aylward gave a victim impact statement, and the defence described the driving as a momentary lapse of concentration. As reported on 1 February 2026, Judge Cormac Quinn said he would finalise matters the following day, and the articles do not state the outcome.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court1 Feb
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Saoirse Aylward was 31 weeks pregnant when she was involved in a serious collision.
- Aylward later learned in hospital that she had lost her baby boy, Jax.
- Where
- The crash happened at Ballygillane Big, Drinagh, on the main Rosslare Road, Co Wexford.
- When
- The collision occurred on 24 January 2024.
- Cause
- The defence said the driving was a momentary lapse of concentration with tragic consequences.
- Investigation
- Garda John O'Flynn attended the scene of the accident at 7.30pm.
- Yurii Dudek was arrested shortly after speaking to gardaí at the scene and taken to Wexford Garda Station for interview.
- Charges
- Yurii Dudek is charged with dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm.
- In court
- Aylward gave a lengthy victim impact statement at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court.
- Judge Cormac Quinn said he would finalise matters the following day.
- Sentence
- No sentence outcome is stated in the articles reporting the hearing.
- Other details
- The accused had no previous convictions and held a full driving licence and insurance.
- The defence said the road is zoned for 100kmph and there have been a number of accidents on that stretch.
12 statements extracted from the articles
- whatSaoirse Aylward was 31 weeks pregnant when she was involved in a serious collision. (thejournal.ie)
- whatAylward later learned in hospital that she had lost her baby boy, Jax. (thejournal.ie)
- whereThe crash happened at Ballygillane Big, Drinagh, on the main Rosslare Road, Co Wexford. (thejournal.ie)
- whenThe charged dangerous driving offence occurred on 24 January 2024. (thejournal.ie)
- causeThe defence said the driving was a momentary lapse of concentration with tragic consequences. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationGarda John O'Flynn attended the scene of the accident at 7.30pm. (thejournal.ie)
- investigationDudek was arrested shortly after speaking to gardaí at the scene and taken to Wexford Garda Station for interview. (thejournal.ie)
- chargeYurii Dudek is charged with dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm. (thejournal.ie)
- courtAylward gave a lengthy victim impact statement at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court. (thejournal.ie)
- courtJudge Cormac Quinn said he would finalise matters the following day. (thejournal.ie)
- otherThe accused had no previous convictions and had a full driving licence and insurance. (thejournal.ie)
- otherThe defence said the road is zoned for 100kmph and there have been a number of accidents on that stretch. (thejournal.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 1 Feb2026Woman whose unborn son died in road crash calls for such babies to be recognised as separate victims
Reports the sentencing hearing, the victim impact statement from Saoirse Aylward, the defence submissions, and that the judge would finalise matters the next day. The article does not state the outcome.
victim, Saoirse Aylward, 31, female, irish (judged from name)Saoirse Aylwardaccused, Yurii Dudek, male, namedYurii Dudek