In The People (AG) v. Gallagher (1972), what was the main reason for upholding Gallagher's conviction?

In The People (AG) v. Gallagher (1972), Gallagher's conviction was upheld primarily because his driving was deemed a significant cause of the victim's death. The court focused on the concept of causation in criminal law, where the actions of the accused must substantially contribute to the outcome of an incident. In this case, despite any potential negligence on the part of the victim, Gallagher's conduct while driving played a crucial role in causing the fatal incident. The court assessed the facts of the case and found that Gallagher's reckless driving directly led to the tragic outcome, emphasizing the legal principle that an individual's actions can lead to liability even in situations where other factors may be present. This pivotal reasoning underlines the importance of evaluating the direct effects of the accused's actions in determining criminal responsibility.