Courts / Dublin / Report

Violent offender jailed for attack on taxi driver

Summary

David Murphy, 29, of Belfry Green, Tallaght, was sentenced to nine months in jail after pleading guilty to assault causing harm at Slade Road, Saggart, on 21 March 2015. The incident involved Murphy breaking a beer bottle over a taxi driver's head and threatening the driver with a knife. Murphy had previously been convicted 41 times, including assault, violent disorder and criminal damage. He failed to attend a victim awareness course and is considered a medium risk of re‑offending. The judge, Pauline Codd, imposed a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, suspending the final two years and nine months, leaving Murphy with a nine‑month custodial term. The assault left the taxi driver cautious and caused him to lose about €800 in earnings. The court noted Murphy's plea of guilty and his personal circumstances, including a history of homelessness, sobriety, drug‑free status and employment.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Violent offender jailed for attack on taxi driver. Charges or matters: assault causing harm at Slade Road, Saggart, on March 21, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 21, 2015 Incident
• 2020-02-10 Publication

Why: He lost around €800 in earnings because he was out of work for a time after the assault. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Jail sentence for smashing window is overturned
• Parcel from South Africa contained €210k worth of cannabis
• CAB to sell high-end cars seized from former Real IRA member Nathan Kinsella
• Uninsured driver who believed he was covered escapes ban
• Doctor of social studies jailed for possessing €285k of heroin
• Restorative justice after 'opportunistic' scratch cards swipe

Read the original CNI report