James Moyles 37 Mount Assumpta, Ballina, Co. Mayo 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 21stFebruary, 2024.
A sentencing hearing took place at Castlebar Circuit Court on 23rd October, 2025. The driver of the vehicle previously pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing death.
In 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 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 hearing 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 138 people have lost their lives on Irish roads. 312 people in 22 months. These are not just statistics, they are real people gone forever leaving lives shattered unnecessarily. Enough is enough- it’s time for action.”
As a family the Moyles family will take time to consider the decision of the Court today.
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