Driver ran red light and hit car with 3 children in back

Ciprian Ungureanu (32) also had his young son in his car at the time of the incident.

The victims suffered some injuries, but surgery was not required, the court heard.

Judge David McHugh sentenced Ungureanu to four months in prison suspended for 12 months.

He also banned him from driving for two years.

The defendant, of Eagle Court, Main Street, Clonee, admitted before Blanchardstown District Court to dangerous driving at North Road, Finglas, on December 3, 2016.

Gda Gary Moore said the injured party was turning right on North Road when the defendant, who was heading outbound, drove through a red light and hit the passenger side of his Ford Focus.

Upset

Gda Moore said the victim, his partner and three young children were in the vehicle.

They were taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries, which were not life threatening.

Gda Moore said the defendant's young son was in the back of his car, and he was taken to Temple Street Children's Hospital for his injuries.

The garda said Ungureanu was extremely upset when he spoke to him in the hospital.

Ungureanu's defence solic- itor said his client was insured and co-operated fully with gardai.

He said the incident was an "inadvertent" act, rather than a deliberate one.

The court heard that Ungureanu had most recently worked as a driver, and a driving ban would impact on his ability to find work.