Man charged over Dublin rickshaw crash
Driver faces trial after woman died from injuries sustained in a September accident at North Wall Quay.
By Ethan Mitchell ·
A 37-year-old Brazilian man appeared in Dublin court on Wednesday to face charges related to the death of a Co Down mother of two. Gabriel Pereira, who lives at Seville Place in Dublin 1, was charged with dangerous driving causing death and endangering the lives of three other women. The incident occurred on the night of September 26 at North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, after a Westlife concert.
Danielle O'Keane, 37, of Saval, Newry, Co Down, was riding in a rickshaw with three friends when the accident happened. The group was traveling to meet her husband following the gig. Garda Sergeant Mark O'Neill from Store Street Station told Judge Michèle Finan that Pereira made a reckless maneuver while in a cycle lane. He attempted to merge into traffic and struck a concrete bollard, causing O'Keane to go underneath the carriage and suffer catastrophic injuries.
O'Keane was transported by ambulance to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. She spent days in intensive care before passing away on October 1. The Director of Public Prosecutors provided instructions for the charges. When asked by the court if he understood the charge of dangerous driving causing death, Pereira replied, I don't think I did. He gave no response to the second offence.
Sergeant O'Neill opposed bail, citing flight risk concerns. He noted that Pereira arrived in Ireland just eight days before the incident on a travel visa. Defence counsel Luke Higgins argued for bail, describing the incident as extremely tragic but distinct from intent. Higgins stated that the case involved recklessness rather than intent. He pointed out that Pereira had provided his information to gardaí, surrendered his passport, and contacted a solicitor immediately after the crash.
Judge Finan acknowledged the presumption of innocence but noted concerns regarding flight risk due to Pereira's recent arrival in the jurisdiction. She accepted defence submissions that Pereira has family in Ireland who could support him. The judge granted bail with several conditions. These include a 20,000 euro independent surety and a requirement to reside at his current address.
Pereira must sign on twice daily at Store Street Garda station and apply for any travel documents. He must provide a 24/7 contact phone number and observe a nightly curfew between 11pm and 6am. He spoke good English and listened silently throughout the hearing, with an interpreter also available. He will remain in custody with consent to bail on these terms until his next appearance at Cloverhill District Court on November 11.
The court heard that further directions from the DPP are awaited regarding the case. Pereira could spend up to 18 months awaiting trial if the file takes longer to process. He is currently on bail under the specified conditions set by Judge Finan.
