Thursday 29 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. 11008Careless driving causing serious bodily harm · Co. Donegal · 13 Jul 2023

Woman affirms guilty plea over Falcarragh crash that injured girl

On 13 July 2023 a 10-year-old girl was injured in a collision at Fanmore, Falcarragh, Co Donegal, involving a vehicle driven by Geraldine Havlin, a 59-year-old woman of Castlefin, who was charged with driving without due care and attention causing serious bodily harm. At an earlier District Court sitting, which reporting places in June, the judge refused jurisdiction after hearing of the girl's injuries, and Havlin's guilty plea was later signed at Falcarragh District Court. At Letterkenny Circuit Court, Havlin confirmed and affirmed her guilty plea before Judge John Aylmer, who asked for an assessment of her suitability for community service. No sentence has been imposed.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court13 Feb
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Geraldine Havlin, 59, of Castlefin, was charged with driving a vehicle without due care and attention, causing serious bodily harm to another person.
  • The victim is a 10-year-old girl whose injuries were described in court reporting as catastrophic.
  • The girl underwent a skin graft and more than 30 operations.
Where
The collision happened at Fanmore, Falcarragh, Co Donegal.
When
The collision happened on 13 July 2023.
Cause
The girl was diagnosed with a haematoma caused by the vehicle's seatbelt arising from the collision.
Charges
The charge is contrary to section 52(1) and 52(2)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as substituted by section 4 of the Road Traffic (No 2) Act 2011.
In court
  • At an earlier District Court sitting, which reporting places in June, the judge refused jurisdiction after hearing of the nature of the injuries.
  • Havlin's guilty plea was signed at Falcarragh District Court.
  • At Letterkenny Circuit Court, Havlin confirmed her guilty plea before Judge John Aylmer and, when asked by the registrar, affirmed it.
  • Her barrister said she is in gainful employment and that the court would benefit from a probation report.
  • Judge Aylmer asked for an assessment of Havlin's suitability for community service and said the Probation Service is under enormous pressure.
Sentence
No sentence has been imposed.
Other details
  • Legal aid was extended to cover medical reports.
  • The article is dated 13 February 2026 in its header and 16 February 2026 in its published line.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGeraldine Havlin was charged with driving a vehicle without due care and attention, causing serious bodily harm to another person. (donegallive.ie)
  • whatThe girl was left with catastrophic injuries. (donegallive.ie)
  • whatThe girl underwent a skin graft and had in excess of 30 operations. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe collision happened at Fanmore, Falcarragh. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe collision happened on July 13, 2023. (donegallive.ie)
  • causeThe girl was diagnosed with a haematoma caused by the vehicle's seatbelt arising from the collision. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeThe charge is contrary to section 52 (1) and 52 (2) (a) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 as substituted by section 4 of the Road Traffic (No 2) Act 2011. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtHavlin appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court and confirmed her guilty plea before Judge John Aylmer. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtAsked by the court registrar whether she was affirming her plea, Havlin replied yes. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtHavlin's barrister said her client is in gainful employment and that the court would benefit from a probation report. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtJudge Aylmer asked for an assessment of Havlin's suitability for community service. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtAt an earlier District Court sitting, the judge refused jurisdiction after hearing of the nature of the injuries. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherJudge Aylmer said the Probation Service is under enormous pressure and he wished to reduce its burden. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherLegal aid was extended to cover medical reports. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Feb2026
    In courtdonegallive.ie, first report
    Woman affirms guilty plea over crash that left girl with ‘catastrophic’ injuries

    Reports that Havlin appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court and affirmed her guilty plea, which had been signed at Falcarragh District Court. Also gives background on the girl's injuries and the earlier District Court sitting that refused jurisdiction. No sentence has been imposed.

    victim, 10, femaleaccused, Geraldine Havlin, 59, female, named, irish (judged from name)Geraldine Havlin