Drink Driver Jailed for 16 Months After Crash in Clare

UPDATE: A 35-year-old drink driver has been sentenced to 16 months in prison following a horrific crash that endangered lives in County Clare. Former secondary school teacher Tony Greene, of Loughville, Lahinch Rd, Ennis, received his sentence today at Ennis Circuit Court, where Judge Francis Comerford detailed the alarming circumstances surrounding the incident.

The crash occurred at approximately 3:45 AM on October 25, 2021, when Greene recklessly drove his white Mercedes on the wrong side of the road without headlights. He collided with Aisling Rouine‘s Kia Ceed, a 23-year-old woman returning home after dropping friends off. Following the crash, Greene and his passengers fled the scene, leaving Rouine trapped in her vehicle.

Judge Comerford emphasized the severity of Greene’s actions, stating, “His conduct created a substantial risk of serious harm or death.” After leaving the crash site, Greene falsely reported his car stolen, claiming his drink had been spiked. This lie led to an additional 14-month concurrent sentence for making a false statement to authorities.

Rouine’s emotional victim impact statement revealed the trauma she endured that night. “I could have been dead in the car for all of Greene and his friends knew or cared,” she expressed, highlighting the callousness of Greene’s actions as he ran away from the scene. “I honestly thought that I was going to die,” Rouine recounted, recalling the terrifying moment of impact.

The court learned that Greene had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before driving, an act that not only endangered his life but also the lives of others. Greene’s DNA was found on the airbag of his vehicle, and CCTV footage confirmed his movements from the Claremont nightclub just prior to the crash.

In a last-ditch effort to evade justice, Greene attempted to shift blame by claiming his drink was spiked and that he had no recollection of the incident. However, his defensive tactics failed to sway the court, which acknowledged his guilty plea and lack of prior convictions. Greene’s counsel noted that he has since taken steps to address his alcoholism.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives. Rouine, now 27 and living in Australia, expressed gratitude for those who helped her after the accident. She stated, “Psychologically, I will never forget the terror I felt.”

As Greene begins his prison sentence, he faces the consequences of his reckless choices. The community watches closely, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and accountability on the roads. With the legal proceedings concluded, Rouine hopes to find peace as she continues to heal from the physical and emotional scars of that night.