A 16-year-old who crashed a car which he bought on DoneDeal.ie the same day, killing his friend in the process, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison.
The boy who was 15 at the time of the accident, cannot be named as he is a minor. The victim, Dayne Cody was also 15-years-old. Three other teenage boys were also travelling in the car, one had to have 90% of his foot amputated.
The teenager lost control of the vehicle on the M50 bridge, speeding up when he noticed Gardaí driving past. The car collided with a tree, killing his friend instantly.
Earlier that day the boy had travelled to Swords purchase the 2002 Kia Magentis car he saw advertised on DoneDeal.ie. He used his birthday money to purchase the vehicle for €400. The boy used a fake name and address in the car’s ownership log book.
The teenager drove the car home to Ballyfermot and met his friends. They all went to buy a new car battery and to get petrol. The incident happened shortly before 10pm. In hospital the boy tested negative for alcohol or drugs.
A garda forensic report concluded the car would have been travelling faster than the 50 kph speed limit on that road. The car was in good condition apart from one bald tyre. Det Gda Jennings said that the boy was deeply remorseful for his actions.“It was one of his good friends who died in that accident.”
