Courts / Dublin / Report
Jockey too busy for 200 hours community service
Summary
Christopher Timmons, a 29-year-old jockey from Castleknock, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to assault causing harm. The incident occurred on July 24, 2016, at Morehampton Rd, Donnybrook, where Timmons allegedly assaulted a taxi driver following a dispute over a fare. Prosecution evidence stated that Timmons punched the driver in the face and attempted to gouge his eyes. Judge Karen O'Connor reduced the previously proposed 200 hours of community service to 80 hours, citing a probation service report indicating Timmons lacked the time to complete the original amount due to his extensive work and study commitments. Defending counsel Brian Storan BL argued that Timmons was willing and able to serve the reduced hours. The judge noted Timmons had brought €3,950 to court to compensate the victim, who suffered financial loss and changed careers to become a bus driver. Judge O'Connor emphasized that Timmons must prioritize his community service, acknowledging his aggressive behavior while also noting his remorse, completed third-level degree, and efforts to address alcohol issues. She concluded that Timmons was more useful to society completing community service than serving a custodial sentence, referencing his talented jockey career and impressive employment record.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jockey too busy for 200 hours community service. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to the taxi driver at Morehampton Rd, Donnybrook on July 24, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 24, 2016 Incident
- February 2018 Incident
- 2018-04-13 Publication
Why: By Sarah-Jane Murphy A "talented" jockey who punched a taxi driver in the face, and tried to gouge his eyes out, has had his community service reduced because his hours of work and study are so extensive. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assault causing harm to the taxi driver at Morehampton Rd, Donnybrook on July 24, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Brian Storan BL, defending, told the court today that Timmons is so busy with work and study that a probation service report found he did not have time to complete 200 hours of community service. "He is willing, able and anxious to carry it out, but is not in a position to do so," Mr Storan said. At a hearing in February 2018, Judge O'Connor said Timmons was more useful to society completing community service rather than being jailed.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Sentence Taxi Trouble Violent Crime
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