Courts / Dublin / Report

Man whose violent and racist abuse of taxi driver went viral on social media spared jail

Date
2019-12-06

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Malahide

County
Dublin

Summary

Clive Mason, 43, was convicted at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assault causing harm after a violent, racially abusive attack on taxi driver Samuel Banjoko Johnson on Malahide Road, Donnycarney, on 21 April. Mason, who claimed to be a Garda and shouted racial slurs, punched Johnson and attempted to force him out of the vehicle. Video of the assault circulated online, prompting Mason to surrender to Gardaí the following weekend. He pleaded guilty, apologized, and cited intoxication as a factor. The court noted Mason's three prior convictions and his willingness to cooperate. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a 20‑month prison sentence, fully suspended on the condition that Mason remain law‑abiding for 20 months and comply with Probation Service directions for six months. The court also ordered a €5,000 payment to be transferred to the Garda, to be given to Johnson or a charity if he declined it.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man whose violent and racist abuse of taxi driver went viral on social media spared jail. Charges or matters: assault causing harm at Malahide Road, Donnycarney, on April 21, last. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

April 21 Incident
2019-12-06 Publication

Case subjects

Clive Mason

Defendant

Charges: assault causing harm at Malahide Road, Donnycarney, on April 21, last (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Nolan sentenced Mason to 20 months imprisonment, which he suspended on condition that Mason keep the peace and be of good behaviour for 20 months and follow all directions of the Probation Service for six months.