Mother of man killed in head-on N7 crash sues Garda Commissioner

High Court reporters

The mother of one of three men who died in a head-on crash while travelling the wrong way down the N7 to evade gardaí has sued the Garda Commissioner and various other parties in the High Court.

Brenda Taylor is seeking damages for alleged personal injuries and distress arising out of the death of her son, Graham Taylor (31), who was a passenger in the BMW 3 Series being driven by Carl Freeman (26).

Dean Maguire was the third man in the vehicle, which burst into flames after crashing into an oncoming truck late on July 7th, 2021. An inquest into Mr Freeman’s death heard the occupants had to be identified using DNA samples taken from relatives.

The truck driver was left with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

The three deceased men, all with addresses in Tallaght, Dublin, had a litany of previous convictions.

On Monday, barrister Fred Gilligan, for the Garda Commissioner and other State parties, said his clients cannot file a defence to Ms Taylor’s proceedings for some time due to certain matters beyond their control.

However, there will be a full defence delivered in time.

Mr Justice Anthony Barr said he understood the reasons and adjourned a motion brought by Ms Taylor’s barrister, Brian Carroll, instructed by MacGuill & Company. He gave Mr Carroll permission to seek to reenter his motion if needed.

Ms Taylor has sued the Garda Commissioner, the Minister for Justice, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Ireland and the Attorney.

Her case is also against a number of non-State parties, including a solicitor representing the estate of Mr Freeman and a woman alleged to be the owner of the BMW 3 Series.

She has also sued the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland, which is funded out of the insurance policies of every motorist to compensate victims of uninsured or untraced drivers.