An Inquest into the death of James Moyles, 37 Mount Assumpta, Ballina, Co. Mayo took place at Ballina Courthouse today. James was killed when he was struck by a car while crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing on Lord Edward Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo on 20th February 2024.
In a heroic act Mr. Moyles pushed his young niece out of the way of the vehicle saving her life. He subsequently died from his injuries surrounded by his family at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, Co. Mayo on 21st February 2024.
Following legal submissions by David O’Malley, Partner at Callan Tansey Solicitors and part of our Personal Injuries solicitors team, the Inquest into his death returned a narrative verdict of dangerous driving causing death.
The Coroner also made recommendations that pedestrian crossings on all national routes should be raised with signage for those approaching same and that a 50km speed limit may not be enough in such areas. Recommendations were also made that drivers exert caution on approach to pedestrian crossings and in general show extra vigilance towards all road users and in particular vulnerable road users.
At the conclusion of the Inquest Tributes were made to Mr. Moyles and who will be forever remembered for his heroic act in saving the life of his young niece. Acknowledgements were also made to the emergency response teams, An Garda Siochana and all those who gave their assistance at the scene of the accident.
At an earlier sentencing hearing in the criminal trial a victim impact Statement read to the Court by Mr. Moyles Uncle Seamus Hyland he described Mr Moyles as “a gentle giant who had a warm smile and a great sense of humour.” When describing the impact on the family he noted “sometimes it feels like a nightmare, and you expect that you will wake up from this nightmare and that James will walk in the door, but he never does, and he never will, and this is a great loss, the reality is we will never see James again”.
Judge Garavan in the sentencing hearing stated that he there was a serious lapse in attention and concentration and that this catastrophic judgment had devastating consequences. He stated that speed was an issue in an urban area and emphasised that “the speed limit is not a target”. He commended James Moyles for his bravery stating “The last thing he did on earth was the best of him. The last thing James did was to save someone else”. He imposed a suspended prison sentence of 2 years and 6 months together with a 10-year driving ban.
Speaking after the Inquest family Solicitor Caroline McLaughlin, Callan Tansey Solicitors LLP stated: “Today we remember James. James was a larger-than-life character, a kind person dearly loved by his family. His absence leaves a huge void in the lives of those who knew him. Their hearts are broken and their loss immeasurable”.
“James Moyles died in the heroic act of saving the life of another. It is the family’s wish that his legacy will be to save further lives on Irish roads. Today they call on all Stakeholders to take action to tackle the continuing unacceptable levels of road deaths in Ireland. They call upon all road users to be extra vigilant of pedestrians and all vulnerable road users.”
“James was one of 174 people who died on Irish roads in 2024. Since then and to date a further 189 people have lost their lives on Irish roads. 363 in less than 2 years. These are not just statistics they real people gone forever leaving lives shattered unnecessarily.”
“The Moyles family urge all stakeholders to take action. It’s time for change.”