An 18-year-old teenager has admitted to being "caught red-handed" after a horrific scrambler bike crash claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl in Dublin. Keith Lee appeared before Blanchardstown District Court this morning, facing a charge of dangerous driving causing death following the incident on Ratoath Road in Finglas last Sunday.
Court Hears Details of Fatal Collision
The court heard that Grace Lynch, described by her heartbroken family as a "beautiful girl," was attempting to cross at pedestrian lights when she was struck by a scrambler bike travelling at suspected speeds exceeding 85km/h. Garda Thomas McDaniel gave evidence that emergency services arrived at the scene at 2.20pm on Sunday, January 25, where Grace was discovered with catastrophic injuries. She was treated at the scene before being transported to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, where she was subsequently declared dead.
Overwhelming Evidence Presented
Garda McDaniel told the court that CCTV footage obtained by officers showed the entire incident, revealing that a bike had gone through red lights before a second bike struck Grace "at speed." The Garda stated that Mr Lee was "caught red-handed" at the scene and made "full admissions" to being the driver of the vehicle that collided with the teenager.
"He showed remorse for the incident," Mr Lee's solicitor, Wayne Kenny, told the court, adding that his client maintained "it was an accident" and that his vehicle shouldn't have been on the road. The solicitor emphasised that Mr Lee had been "fully cooperative with the investigation and didn't want to conceal anything."
Bail Conditions Imposed
Despite Garda objections citing the seriousness of the charge and the likelihood of a custodial sentence, Judge Aine Clancy granted bail with strict conditions. The judge noted the accused's history of no previous convictions, no bench warrants, and his admissions to the offence.
The bail conditions require Mr Lee to:
- Lodge his own bond of €2,500 with a €1,000 independent surety
- Surrender his passport immediately
- Provide a mobile number to gardai
- Sign on at Ballymun Garda Station three days per week
- Not drive any mechanically propelled vehicle, legal or illegal
- Remain of good behaviour
Family's Heartbreaking Tribute
Grace's mother, Siobhan, spoke of her family's devastation, paying tribute to her daughter as "funny, a great daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a niece, a cousin, a friend." In an emotional statement, she said: "Watching my baby take her last breath was the most heart-breaking thing any parent should watch."
The 16-year-old was a fifth-year pupil at St Michael's Holy Faith Secondary School in Finglas, where principal Marie Doyle described her as "a lovely, bright, kind girl" who would be "greatly missed by all who knew her." The school has implemented its Critical Incident Management Plan, with psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service supporting students and staff.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The offence, contrary to two sections of the Road Traffic Act, carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. The court heard that Mr Lee was arrested and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, and during interview admitted to being the person driving the bike.
Judge Clancy emphasised that this was a matter of "utmost seriousness" given the sudden loss of life, but noted that people have the presumption of innocence. The case will proceed through the legal system as the community mourns the loss of a young life cut tragically short.
