Courts / Dublin / Report

No jail for "tired and hungry" van driver who punched taxi driver unconscious

Summary

Geoffrey Cotter, 48, received a suspended two‑year prison sentence after he punched taxi driver David Carey unconscious during a parking dispute in Dublin. Cotter, who was on a lunch break delivering oil, parked in a taxi rank and, when Carey asked him to move, told him to "fuck off" and threatened to punch any taxi driver who clamped him. He then entered Carey's car, removed his top, and began punching the driver, causing bruising and unconsciousness. CCTV footage showed the assault. Cotter admitted assault causing harm and was ordered to pay €3,000 to his solicitor as a token of remorse, to be given to charity if Carey declined. The court noted Carey's recovery and ongoing anxiety, and Cotter's prior convictions for dangerous driving and assault. Judge Martin Nolan described the attack as unprovoked and suspended the sentence on the condition of good behaviour.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: No jail for "tired and hungry" van driver who punched taxi driver unconscious. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• June 2, 2016 Incident
• 2019-01-16 Publication

Why: In a victim impact statement he said he was out of work for nearly two years because of the attack. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Road Traffic Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report