Courts / Dublin / Report

Community service for taxi driver who bit off part of man's ear

Date
2019-02-21

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin City

County
Dublin

Summary

Lawrence Doyle, a 51‑year‑old taxi driver, was sentenced by Judge Melanie Greally to 180 hours of community service within 12 months instead of an 18‑month prison term for a drink‑fuelled assault on Christopher Darcy. The incident occurred on 15 May 2017 at Mullets Bar, Amiens Street, when Doyle bit off a 3‑cm portion of Darcy's ear after a quarrel. CCTV showed Doyle attacking Darcy, who was struck repeatedly in the chest and attempted to defend himself. Darcy was taken to Mater Hospital, treated for a permanent ear injury, and received a tetanus shot and antibiotics. Doyle pleaded guilty, had no prior convictions, cooperated with Gardaí, and paid €1,000 in compensation. The judge noted the assault was out of character for Doyle and described it as vicious and violent.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Community service for taxi driver who bit off part of man's ear. Charges or matters: assaulting Mr Darcy causing him harm at Mullets Bar, Amiens Street on May 15, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

May 15, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
2019-02-21 Publication

Case subjects

Unnamed man

Defendant

Charges: assaulting Mr Darcy causing him harm at Mullets Bar, Amiens Street on May 15, 2017 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Credit: Collins) A taxi driver who bit off a portion of a man's ear in "a vicious and violent assault" must complete 180 hours of community service within 12 months in lieu of a prison term. She imposed 180 hours of community service in lieu of 18 months imprisonment, acknowledging that Doyle has no previous convictions, co-operated with gardaí and had €1,000 as compensation.