Adjournment Granted Over Dangerous Driving Case Which Led To Girl's Death

Tuesday, 20 January 2026 14:39

Babak Meshkat, 45, of An Cimin Mor, Cappagh Road, Galway, arriving at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court Photo credit: Tom Tuite

Babak Meshkat is accused of dangerous driving leading to the death of his daughter.

A doctor accused of dangerous driving causing his six-year-old daughter's death in the midlands has been given a further adjournment to obtain a forensic report and consider his plea.

Babak Meshkat, 45, of An Cimín Mór, Cappagh Road, Galway, was charged following a Garda investigation into a crash on the M6 in Co Westmeath on February 8, 2024.

Last March, he was sent forward for trial to the Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court, and subsequently, the defence indicated it would engage an independent expert to analyse his car's crash data, and further disclosure of evidence was ordered.

Yesterday/today, he appeared again with the case listed for an arraignment hearing, when defendants state how they intend to plead. His barrister asked for additional time, explaining that time was needed to examine technical documents and instruct a forensic engineer.

Judge Keenan Johnson adjourned the case until February 12 next.

In a previous procedural hearing, the defence said, "There are a couple of areas we wish to investigate".

His barrister explained that this included access to and inspection of the car's driver data from a crash module installed in the vehicle.

The court had earlier heard that the defence was seeking to appoint its own forensic collision expert. The State had already provided a 120-page report from the garda inspection to Mr Meshkat's legal team.

The judge had said it seemed reasonable for the module to be available for inspection by an appropriately qualified person under the correct circumstances and procedures.

Mr Meshkat's six-year-old daughter, Hana Meshkat, was severely injured in a crash at about 4 pm on the eastbound lane of the motorway between Junction 4, Tyrellspass, and Junction 3, Rochfortbridge on February 8, 2024.

The child passed away at Children's Health Ireland hospital at Temple Street in Dublin, nine days later.

An investigation file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, which led to the charge being brought in March when he was returned for trial.