What a Disgusting thing to do, Leave a Neighbour, for Dead in a Ditch, after Crashing into him. Maher got off very Lightly, just 5 Years Jail. Maher drank 20 Pints, the Court heard? Mr Gill, will suffer from his Injuries, for the rest of his life.

Man who left neighbour ‘for dead in a ditch’ after crash jailed William Maher, 54, of Derrycrib, Donadea, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty at a sitting of Naas Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of dangerous driving causing serious harm to a pedestrian, Paul Gill at Staplestown, Co Kildare on 3 April 2022.

The court heard both men had been attending a social function at the clubhouse of St Kevin’s GAA club in Staplestown earlier that evening.

Evidence was heard that Mr Gill had limited recollection of being struck by a vehicle and only remembered waking up in hospital.

He spent ten days on a ventilator in an intensive care unit before spending around two further months in hospitals in Tallaght and Peamount recovering from his injuries.

Judge Martina Baxter noted Mr Gill suffered multiple fractures and traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle driven by Maher.

He also suffered damage to his hearing and sight and requires the use of a stick for balance when he walks.

The judge said medical reports showed the victim also suffered from poor sleep and difficulties with his memory and was unlikely to make a full recovery.

She observed that Maher had actually returned home with his partner, Liz Fitzharris, from the function but had decided to return to the GAA club to pick up her daughter.

The collision with Mr Gill occurred as the accused was driving back towards the clubhouse with damage to the vehicle showing that the injured man had been hit with “some force”.

Evidence was heard that blood was found on the door frame of the vehicle.