Traffic Feature – Forensic Collision Investigation Unit

On Friday, the 2nd February 2007 a fatal road traffic collision occurred on the Main Street in Arklow, Co. Wicklow.

The victim was a pedestrian who was struck and fatally injured by a Honda Civic car at high speed. The pedestrian was twenty one year old Daniel Mc Donald from Arklow and the driver of the Honda Civic was twenty year old Anthony O Reilly from Ballyfermot, Dublin 10.

Local Gardaí from Arklow Garda Station requested the assistance of the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit based at the Regional Traffic Division in Dublin Castle. An extensive and comprehensive examination of the scene was carried out and it was clear to the investigation team that this was not a typical road traffic collision. During the course of the investigation it was established that an altercation occurred earlier in the night at a local niteclub between the deceased and the driver of the Honda Civic. This altercation continued on the main street, where Anthony O’Reilly got into his car and drove it at Daniel McDonald. Anthony O’Reilly was later convicted of the murder of Daniel and is currently serving a life sentence.

This feature demonstrates the skilful work of the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit and Sergeant Liam Geraghty was in studio to discuss this solved case and highlight bad driving practices by motorists including speeding and driving while fatigued.