Sunday 1 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. 22456Dangerous driving causing death; dangerous driving causing serious harm · Co. Kilkenny · 4 Jun 2022

Toronto lawyer charged with dangerous driving causing death in Kilkenny

James Hardy, a lawyer from Toronto, Ontario, appeared at Kilkenny District Court on 9 February 2023 charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Ollie Heslin, 42, and dangerous driving causing serious harm in a collision at the R712, Blanchfield, Cliften, on 4 June 2022. He was sent to Kilkenny Circuit Court on 21 February 2023 with bail set at a €50,000 own bond and €35,000 cash lodgement.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court9 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe victim was Ollie Heslin, aged 42, of Castleroe, Maganey, Co Kildare. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whereThe collision occurred at the R712, Blanchfield, Cliften, Co Kilkenny. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whenThe collision occurred on 4 June 2022. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • investigationGarda Joe Reville gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • chargeJames Hardy was charged with dangerous driving causing serious harm. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • chargeJames Hardy was also charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Ollie Heslin. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • courtThe DPP indicated trial on indictment in respect of the matters before the court. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • courtThe DPP consented that the defendant be sent forward to the next sittings of Kilkenny Circuit Court on 21 February. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • courtJudge John Brennan issued an alibi warning in relation to the new charge. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • otherThe defendant is a lawyer in Toronto who studied in the UK. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • otherHe spent some time lecturing at an American university. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • otherHe completed his articles in the UK to work as a lawyer in Canada and secured residency. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • otherHe has lived in Canada since 2017 and owns a home with his girlfriend. (kilkennypeople.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 9 Feb2023
    In courtkilkennypeople.ie, follow-up
    Lawyer appears before Kilkenny court over fatal road collision

    Follow-up court appearance at Kilkenny District Court where a second charge (dangerous driving causing serious harm) was added, the DPP indicated trial on indictment, and the matter was sent to Kilkenny Circuit Court on 21 February 2023. Bail conditions confirmed and alibi warning issued.

    suspect, James Hardy, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)James Hardyvictim, Ollie Heslin, 42, irish (judged from name)Ollie Heslin