Doctor Accused Of Dangerous Driving Causing Death Of His Daughter Given Extra Time To Decide Plea

The collision occurred on the M6 in Westmeath last year.

A judge has granted a doctor accused of dangerous driving causing the death of his six-year-old daughter on the M6 motorway in Co Westmeath last year extra time to decide his plea.

Babak Meshkat, 45, of An Cimín Mór, Cappagh Road, Galway, was charged earlier this year and served with a book of evidence in the District Court following a Garda investigation.

In March, he was sent forward for trial to the Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court. The case was listed before Judge Kenneth Connolly today for an arraignment hearing, the procedure where defendants say how they intend to plead.

Dressed in a grey blazer, blue shirt, and dark trousers, Mr Meskat stepped forward when his case was called, stood silently and did not address the proceedings.

Prosecutor Cathal Ó Braonáin BL told Judge Connolly that he understood there would be an application for a further adjournment to later in the sessions for the accused's solicitor to "take instructions".

Mr Ó Braonáin added that there was no objection to that request.

Solicitor Louis Kiernan, standing in, concurred that the defence wanted the case to go back to a later date, and they were seeking a three-week adjournment.

Judge Connolly remanded the accused on continuing bail to appear again on June 5, when the matter will again be listed for arraignment.

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 (CHI) 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.

A coroner's inquest heard that the young girl had died from multiple traumatic injuries due to a motor vehicle incident. The inquest has been adjourned pending the outcome of the judicial proceedings.