Courts / Wicklow / Report

Suspended sentence for financial services worker who told taxi driver "you are going to be one of those f**king ni****s that I kill"

Summary

Paul Roche, 31, from Wicklow, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to taxi driver Francis Mordi on the N11 at Cabinteely on 26 May 2013. The incident began when Roche, who was drunk, could not give directions and threw a €20 note at Mordi after the driver asked for money. Roche then attempted to leave the vehicle, jumped on Mordi, and tried to strangle him, shouting a racial slur. Mordi managed to escape, used a hammer to threaten Roche, and drove to the nearest Garda station. Roche was arrested, refused to give his name, and later settled a civil claim with Mordi. Judge Mary Ellen Ring remanded him briefly, then suspended a two‑and‑a‑half‑year jail sentence on the condition he keep the peace for that period. Roche is employed in financial services and has attended anger‑management and alcohol‑free courses.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for financial services worker who told taxi driver "you are going to be one of those f**king ni****s that I kill". Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Francis Mordi on the N11 at Cabinteely on May 26, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 26, 2013 Incident
• 2014-10-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

• 'Alternative dispute resolution': man arranged 'straightener' during which dad-of-seven was stabbed to death
• Serial burglar jailed for stealing from restaurant lockers
• 'He's an adult and well able to take responsibility' - Judge gives man time to compensate ex for damage to property
• Domestic violence accused loses habeas corpus appeal
• Brothers attacked man in toilet cubicle after Tyson Fury match 'banter'
• Murder accused pleads guilty to violent disorder at playground

Read the original CNI report