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Ex-Garda Remanded Ahead of Sentencing in Fatal Drogheda Hit-and-Run

Court evidence of intoxicated, high-speed driving prompted the judge to flag a likely prison term.

Overview

  • Judge Dara Hayes, presiding Tuesday at Dundalk Courthouse, remanded Michael Ball in custody ahead of sentencing set for June 15.
  • Ball, a former member of An Garda Síochána, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and to failing to offer assistance after the collision.
  • Evidence presented showed he was clearly intoxicated when found at 4:20am and had been driving 107–110 km/h on a 50 km/h road.
  • CCTV placed him leaving the garda station car park at 1:56am and driving toward Rathmullen Road, with the collision occurring minutes later.
  • The victim’s wife, Grace Martin, delivered a statement describing a profound personal loss that has rippled through their family and local GAA community.