2017-01-16 · Dublin
Taxi driver had knife put to throat
James Mongan, 33, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery in Ballymun on 11 July 2016 and will be sentenced in April. While driving a taxi, the driver was flagged down by Mongan, who asked to be taken to St Margaret's. After a brief conversation, Mongan moved to the centre of the rear seat, put a knife to the driver's throat and threatened to stab him if he did not give money. The driver slammed on the brakes, grabbed the blade, and escaped by spraying deodorant and shouting for Gardaí. Mongan was pursued and caught by two officers. No knife was recovered. The driver suffered cuts to his fingers requiring stitches and now feels vulnerable, fearing for his life and the dark. Mongan, who has 65 prior convictions, has been in custody, is drug‑free, and has begun learning to read in prison.