Police (Garda) Faces Trial Following Fatal Crash Involving Tallaght Gang Members

Three people lost their lives in a tragic incident that occurred in Dublin. A police officer, a garda, has been directed to face trial before a Circuit Court judge and jury.

Garda Ombudsman investigated and charged a garda with endangering life and dangerous driving after a crash in Tallaght that involved members of a gang.

The fatal crash occurred on July 7, 2021, when a BMW car carrying Dean Maguire, 29, Karl Freeman, 26, and Graham Taylor, 31, collided head-on with a truck between Citywest and Baldonnel.

BMW burst into flames, and all three men died instantly when the car was pursued by law enforcement on the wrong side of the N7 highway.

Garda John Francis Ryan, stationed in Tallaght, has been accused of endangerment of life and three counts of dangerous driving in connection with the fatal crash. The garda was initially summoned to appear in Dublin District Court in June, with subsequent adjournments to October for the prosecution to provide relevant material, including video footage related to the case.

During the recent court proceedings, State solicitor Tom Conlon informed Judge Michele Finan that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed a summary disposal on a guilty plea in the District Court. However, without a guilty plea, the case will proceed to the Circuit Court, which holds broader sentencing powers upon conviction.

The court adjourned the case until June 26 to allow the prosecution to compile a comprehensive book of evidence against Garda Ryan. This step is crucial for his trial in the higher court since he contests the charges levelled against him.

Present at the latest court session were the garda’s solicitor and relatives of the deceased, observing from the public gallery. The allegations against Garda Ryan include dangerous driving incidents at various locations, including Brookfield Road, the N82 Citywest roundabout, and Cheeverstown Road.

Specifically, the endangerment of life charge accuses him of reckless driving on an auxiliary lane between Rathcoole and Citywest, posing a substantial risk to public safety under section 13 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Persons Act.

During previous hearings, Garda Ryan’s solicitor had sought evidence disclosure, including CCTV footage, which a GSOC officer assured would be provided.

Per the court’s orders, the media has been restricted from publishing the garda’s address. Meanwhile, a coroner’s inquest into the deaths of Dean Maguire, Karl Freeman, and Graham Taylor has been initiated but adjourned pending the outcome of the judicial process against Garda John Francis Ryan.

Dan Olczak

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