Sentencing in Rathkeale Hit-and-Run: Five-and-a-Half Years for Driver
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A man received a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence on January 21, 2026, for dangerous driving causing the death of his 21-year-old niece, Marguerita O’Rourke, in Rathkeale, County Limerick, Ireland, in December 2024.
The Incident and Victim
Marguerita O’Rourke died in a hit-and-run incident just days before Christmas 2024. The tragedy was compounded by the fact that she had given birth to a baby boy just three weeks prior to her death. The case was heard at Limerick Circuit Court.
judge daly’s Remarks and Sentencing
Judge Colin Daly presided over the case and delivered the sentence. He acknowledged the devastating impact of the incident on the O’Rourke family. While specific details of the judge’s remarks beyond acknowledging the tragedy are not currently available, the five-and-a-half-year sentence reflects the severity of the offense.
Legal Context: dangerous Driving Causing Death
In Ireland, dangerous driving causing death is a serious offense under the Road Traffic Act 2010. The maximum penalty for this crime is imprisonment for life. Sentencing guidelines consider factors such as the level of culpability, aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and the impact on the victim’s family.
- Marguerita O’rourke: The 21-year-old victim of the hit-and-run.
- Judge Colin Daly: The presiding judge at Limerick Circuit Court.
- rathkeale, County Limerick: The location where the incident occurred.
- Limerick Circuit Court: The court where the case was heard.
- Road Traffic Act 2010: The legislation under which the offender was convicted.
