Ex-Scout leader drove into tree day before trial

Inquest rules child rapist accused killed himself

- BY SEAN MCCARTHAIGH

A FORMER scout leader accused of raping boys took his own life by driving his van into a tree a day before his trial, an inquest heard yesterday.

Neville Kearns, 69, died when he crashed on Churchtown Road Upper, Dundrum, Dublin, on April 7, 2024.

He had not been wearing a seatbelt and there were no signs of braking on the road surface.

Coroner Clare Keane returned a verdict of death by suicide at Dublin District Coroner's Court yesterday.

The inquest heard the scene of the collision was “a location of significance” to Kearns, who had denied attacking young boys in the 1980s and 1990s, as it was outside an apartment block on the site of a former scout den.

EXAMINED

Garda David O’Brien, who examined the 02-reg Toyota Hiace, concluded the vehicle's tyres were in good condition with no faults detected with its brakes.

Garda O'Brien said the seat belt had not been in use.