Two men have been sentenced to jail time following a tragic high-speed motorcycle chase that led to the death of an innocent motorcyclist and serious injuries to two others. Michael Stanners, 41, from Pineview Gardens in Moyross, Limerick, was given a 6½-year sentence and a 10-year road ban by the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. He was convicted of two counts of endangerment. Daniel Philips, 35, from Crecora Avenue in Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick, received a five-year and nine-month sentence, along with a 10-year road ban, after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of motorcyclist Maurice Fehilly and causing serious bodily harm to motorcyclist Thomas Traynor.
Tragic Accident on N24 Road
The fatal incident took place on the N24 road from Limerick to Tipperary, outside the village of Dromkeen, Co Limerick, on January 4th, 2020. The collision occurred on a fine dry day when a group of four men in a Toyota Avensis car, driven by Stanners, were chasing a Hyundai van driven by Phillips at high speed. During the pursuit, one of the men in the car leaned out and struck the van with a baseball bat, threatening Phillips with death.
Courtroom Drama and Sentencing
Sentencing judge Sinéad McMullan described Stanners’s driving as “absolutely reprehensible” leading up to the collision. She expressed her sympathy for the victims’ families, noting the devastating impact of the incident. Phillips, who was accompanied by a woman and a young child in the van, collided with Mr. Fehilly and Mr. Traynor after taking a bend at high speed on the wrong side of the road. Mr. Fehilly tragically died almost instantly, while Mr. Traynor underwent multiple surgeries and ultimately had to have one of his legs amputated below the knee before passing away.
Family and Community Impact
The families of the victims, along with motorcyclist Tom Conway who escaped serious injury, attended the court proceedings. The devastating consequences of the high-speed chase serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of road safety. The community of Clonmel, Co Tipperary, where the victims hailed from, continues to mourn the loss of their loved ones and advocate for safer roads.
The court’s decision to sentence Stanners and Phillips reflects the severity of their actions and the need to hold individuals accountable for reckless and dangerous behavior on the roads. The tragic outcome of the high-speed chase serves as a cautionary tale for all motorists, highlighting the devastating impact that reckless driving can have on innocent lives.
The harrowing details of this case underscore the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences that can result from reckless behavior behind the wheel. As the families of the victims continue to grieve and the community reflects on the loss of two beloved members, it is crucial for all motorists to prioritize safety on the roads and ensure that tragedies like this are not repeated. The sentencing of Stanners and Phillips serves as a somber reminder of the need for accountability and responsibility when operating a vehicle, in order to protect the lives of all road users.
