Courts / Dublin / Report

Former pro boxer avoids jail for breaking bus driver's nose in road rage incident

Date
2017-04-07
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Anthony Fitzgerald, a 32‑year‑old former professional boxer from Gloucester Place, Dublin, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to bus driver Toufik Slali on North Circular Road on 18 November 2014. The incident began when a Mini pulled out in front of Slali's bus without signalling, forcing the driver to brake hard and honk. Fitzgerald jumped out of the car, shouted that his children were in the vehicle, and then entered the bus. He allegedly head‑butted Slali's nose, causing a fracture that required surgery, and punched him. Fitzgerald denied head‑butting and claimed he struck with an open hand. Judge Melanie Greally, noting his boxing background, imposed a suspended three‑year prison sentence on the condition he keep the peace. He has 31 prior convictions, including assault, criminal damage and firearms offences, and has been disqualified from driving for ten years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former pro boxer avoids jail for breaking bus driver's nose in road rage incident. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Toufik Slali on North Circular Road, on November 18, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: Judge Melanie Greally said that because of his boxing background the use of his palm to strike a blow had a different degree of force. CNI source report

Case subjects

Anthony Fitzgerald

Accused

Charges: assault causing harm to Toufik Slali on North Circular Road, on November 18, 2014 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She suspended a prison sentence of three years on condition he keep the peace.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Incident
  • North Circular Road

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request