Wednesday 28 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. 3761Dangerous driving causing death · Co. Wicklow · 5 May 2024

Teenager given suspended sentence for killing Molly Dempsey in Baltinglass crash

An 18-year-old who was 16 at the time was sentenced to a two-year suspended prison term and a 10-year driving disqualification for dangerous driving causing the death of 15-year-old Molly Dempsey in a single-vehicle crash in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, on 5 May 2024. The victim's family reacted angrily, calling the sentence 'disgraceful' and 'a joke.'

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced21 Feb
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
12 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMolly Dempsey, 15, was killed in a single-vehicle crash as a passenger in the car. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatMolly was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics' resuscitation efforts. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe defendant was arrested at the scene by gardaí and was uninjured. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whatThe family called the sentence disgraceful and a joke, and stormed out of the courtroom. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe fatal crash occurred at Slaney Park, Baltinglass. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe crash occurred at around 4.30am on 5 May 2024. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeA forensic collision investigator concluded the vehicle lost control due to excessive speed. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeThe defendant pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and without a driving licence. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe sentencing took place at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceThe defendant was given a two-year suspended prison term. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceThe defendant was disqualified from driving for 10 years. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe DPP is expected to consider appealing the leniency of the sentence. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 21 Feb2026
    Sentencedirishmirror.ie, first report
    Family of Wicklow girl killed in car crash blasts decision as driver avoids jail

    Reports the sentencing hearing at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court where the 18-year-old (16 at the time of the crash) received a two-year suspended prison term and 10-year driving disqualification. The family of the victim, Molly Dempsey, 15, reacted angrily and the DPP is expected to consider appealing the leniency.

    victim, Molly Dempsey, 15, female, irish (judged from name)Molly Dempseyconvicted, 18, male