Close to 100 people being charged for staging car crashes in Limerick, court hears

A LIMERICK woman is to be sentenced for her role in ‘staging’ a car crash in the city centre more than 10 years ago.

Tiffany Buckley, now aged 29, of Collins Avenue, Kincora, Limerick, appeared before Judge Catherine Ryan to face charges arising from an incident on September 9, 2015.

Limerick District Court heard the woman is “one of many” people who are being prosecuted for deception offences relating to fake or staged collisions.

Ms Buckley’s solicitor, Sarah Ryan, confirmed her client was pleading guilty to the single charge and Judge Ryan was informed the incident took place at O’Curry Street at about 8:30pm on the date in question.

Outlining the facts of the case, Sergeant Denis Waters said on the night in question, a “low-impact rear-end” collision occurred and was reported to gardai. Ms Buckley was a passenger in the car which collided with another vehicle, belonging to another member of the public.

Following this, the defendant initiated a personal injury civil action and subsequently received €11,500 in damages.

However, Limerick District Court heard Ms Buckley did not make any financial gain from this, as the money she received was handed over to other individuals.

Ms Ryan informed the judge that her client participated in the offence as a relative had a drug debt. She added that it was her view that Tiffany Buckley was involved at a very low tier.

Continuing, the solicitor claimed that Ms Buckley was approached by certain people to partake in the offence to alleviate the family member’s drug debt. The accused was also instructed (by others) to visit a specific doctor in the aftermath of the collision.

Judge Ryan was informed that five other individuals have also been charged in relation to the same staged collision and that they are now before the courts. In total, close to 100 people are being charged for similar offences, arising from a number of different incidents.

Ms Buckley has no previous convictions and her solicitor said that she was “sucked into this" as she felt she had no other choice.

Ms Ryan stated that if her client had refused to take part, harm would have been caused to Ms Buckley's relative as she believed it was “a very real threat”.

Sgt Waters accepted this and Judge Ryan also said it was clear there was “some type of coercion” involved.

In mitigation, it was heard that Ms Buckley is not currently working, has not come to the attention of gardai aside from this incident and that she provides care for someone close to her.

Upon hearing facts, Judge Catherine Ryan said while these are “very serious circumstances,” she wanted a probation report to see if Ms Buckley is suitable for something other than a custodial sentence.

She indicated that she will consider Community Service instead of a prison sentence, but stressed she has not made a final decision.

Tiffany Buckley was remanded on bail and will next appear before Limerick District Court on December 9, when Judge Ryan will consider the contents of the probation report.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.