Courts / Dublin / Report

Bus driver who punched school girl will be released from indictment if he meets conditions

Date
2021-11-24

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Lucan

County
Dublin

Summary

Norense Okungbowa, a 46-year-old bus driver from Lucan, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting a 17-year-old girl in the car park of Finnstown Hotel on September 1, 2018. The court heard that the defendant and the victim had met while she was travelling on his bus. Sergeant Shay Leonard stated that a dispute arose during their meeting, leading the defendant to punch the victim in the back and side while demanding money he alleged she had taken. The victim's impact statement described a loss of security and increased paranoia. Defending counsel, Fiona Murphy SC, highlighted the defendant's lack of prior convictions, his employment with Dublin Bus since 2008, and his expression of remorse. She requested a discharge from indictment under Section 100 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the matter under Section 100 until May 4. The defendant is required to keep the peace, be of good behaviour, pay a €100 fine, and collect €2,000 for potential transfer to the victim. Judge Nolan stated that if these conditions are not complied with, the appropriate sentence is two months imprisonment. The decision was based on the guilty plea, cooperation with gardaí, and the defendant's rehabilitative potential.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Bus driver who punched school girl will be released from indictment if he meets conditions. Charges or matters: assault at Finnstown Hotel, Newcastle Road, Lucan, on September 1, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When: