Family Outraged Over Lenient Sentence in Son’s Hit-and-Run Death

Justice Denied? A Family’s Plea After a Tragic Hit-and-Run

The world shattered for Tim and Marguerite Drennan on October 13, 2023, when their son, 21-year-old joe, a promising journalism student at the University of Limerick, was struck and killed by Kieran Fogarty.

Fogarty,a known member of a Limerick gang,had a history of legal troubles,including numerous traffic offenses. Just six months prior to the tragic incident, he was out on bail for firing an automatic weapon outside a home with children present. Adding to the unimaginable pain, Fogarty fled the scene after hitting Joe, leaving him to die on the street.

In a desperate attempt to evade accountability for his actions, fogarty tried to clean up the evidence from his vehicle. Despite this, police were able to link Fogarty to the scene through DNA evidence.

During Fogarty’s sentencing hearing, Joe’s father, Tim Drennan, confronted Judge Colin Daly, his voice laced with anguish: “Sorry, yoru honor, does that mean that this fella [Fogarty] will not serve a day [in jail] for killing my son?” His question echoed the profound sense of injustice felt by the Drennan family.

While Fogarty received consecutive sentences for the shooting, illegal drug possession, violent disorder, and threats to kill, the hit-and-run sentence will run concurrently, substantially reducing his overall time behind bars.Outside the courtroom, Tim held a photograph of Joe, his face a mask of disbelief and pain. “He left my son to die like a dog on the street,” he stated, his voice choked with emotion. “I feel like he’s gotten away without punishment for killing my son.”

Joe’s mother, Marguerite, echoed his sentiment, describing Fogarty’s sentence as “absolutely amazing” and “really hard to take.” She painted a picture of her son, a vibrant young man dedicated to his community. “Joe was amazing, the bubble of our lives, he was just everything to us. he was the chief editor of the Limerick Voice, he worked for Gay Community News, he was the voice for the voiceless.”

Tim and Marguerite Drennan desperately hope that the Director of Public Prosecutions will appeal Fogarty’s hit-and-run sentence,seeking justice for their son’s tragic death.

A Call for Change

The Drennan’s plea for justice raises critically important questions about hit-and-run sentences and how effectively the legal system addresses these tragic cases. Maureen O’brien,a renowned humanitarian lawyer and advocate for road safety reform,sheds light on the complexities surrounding this issue.

“Calling Joe’s death an accident minimizes Kieran Fogarty’s deliberate actions and the impact on the Drennan family,”

says O’Brien. “This case is deeply troubling on several levels.Firstly, Kieran Fogarty had a demonstrably reckless history, including multiple traffic violations and a previous charge involving the discharge of a firearm. These prior incidents highlight a blatant disregard for public safety.”

O’Brien argues that Fogarty’s flight from the scene and attempts to tamper with evidence further demonstrate a conscious decision to evade accountability. She believes that sentencing guidelines for hit-and-run cases involving fatalities, particularly those with aggravating factors, should be rigorously reviewed and strengthened.

“the principle of proportionality must prevail – the sentence should reflect the gravity of the crime committed,”

she emphasizes.

O’Brien hopes this case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the importance of road safety.She urges individuals to understand that leaving the scene of an accident, particularly one resulting in death, is a grave offense with severe legal repercussions.

How can stricter enforcement of traffic laws and increased funding for road safety initiatives contribute to preventing hit-and-run accidents?

A Plea for Justice: Interview with Maureen O’Brien

The recent sentencing of kieran Fogarty in the death of 21-year-old Joe Drennan has sparked outrage and calls for reform. The case raises crucial questions about hit-and-run laws and the effectiveness of sentencing guidelines for such tragic crimes. Archyde news spoke with renowned humanitarian lawyer and road safety advocate Maureen O’Brien to gain deeper insights into this complex issue.

Maureen, what are your initial thoughts on the Fogarty sentencing, especially considering his history of perilous driving and repeated legal issues?

“This case is deeply troubling on multiple levels. Kieran Fogarty’s history of reckless behavior, including traffic violations and violence, clearly demonstrates a blatant disregard for public safety. To suggest that his actions were merely an “accident” minimizes the very deliberate choices he made – not just to drive dangerously, but also to flee the scene and try and hinder the investigation. Leaving a vulnerable person to die on the street while attempting to evade accountability is a horrific act that should carry far more severe consequences than what has been delivered.”

Many argue that the current sentencing guidelines for hit-and-runs, especially those involving fatalities, are insufficient. What is your perspective on this?

“I wholeheartedly agree. The principle of proportionality must always prevail.The sentence should reflect the gravity of the crime committed. In this case, Joe’s death was a direct result of Fogarty’s reckless choices and timid actions. To diminish the severity of the offense through concurrent sentences sends a dangerous message, not only to Mr. Fogarty, but to the wider community. It risks undermining public trust in the justice system and fails to adequately protect lives.”

What reforms would you propose to strengthen the legal response to hit-and-run cases?

“Firstly, a more rigorous review of sentencing guidelines is crucial.Those who commit hit-and-runs resulting in fatalities should face significantly stronger penalties than what is currently being imposed. Additionally, there needs to be a stronger focus on addressing the underlying factors that contribute to these crimes, such as substance abuse, reckless driving culture, and lax enforcement of traffic laws. Investing in preventative measures such as stricter driving regulations, public awareness campaigns, and improved infrastructure design can also play a vital role in reducing the incidence of hit-and-runs.”

What message do you hope to convey to those making the critical decisions about sentencing in such cases?

“I urge them to prioritize justice and public safety above all else. This is not just about punishment; it is about sending a clear and unwavering message that leaving a person to die on the street after a collision is an unforgivable crime with severe consequences. The families of victims deserve to see their loved ones’ deaths treated with the utmost seriousness. Sentencing must reflect the profound and irreversible impact these crimes have on individuals, families, and communities as a whole.”

Closing thoght, from your experience, what can be done to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future?

“We all have a role to play in creating safer roads. It begins with each individual taking obligation for their actions behind the wheel. this includes obeying traffic laws, never driving under the influence, and being constantly aware of our surroundings. Furthermore, advocating for tougher law enforcement, increased funding for road safety initiatives, and public awareness campaigns can help create a culture of safety and accountability on our roads.”