Courts / Dublin / Report

Poor player: 'Out of it' actor attacked taxi driver with Macbeth costume

Date
2022-11-02
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

James Walsh, 38, of Burnell Park Green, was found "out of it" on drugs and alcohol when he attacked taxi driver Ian Sweeney on September 29, 2018. Walsh used a silver bicycle chain, part of his Macbeth costume, to repeatedly strike Sweeney's car and then attempted to strike the driver. Sweeney, who was in his taxi, tried to move the vehicle and flagged gardaí. Walsh, who had been drinking heavily and taken Xanax, began to hallucinate and tried to strangle himself when arrested. He was taken to hospital where a CT scan showed brain abnormalities. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Walsh pleaded guilty to criminal damage. Judge Martin Nolan suspended a 20‑month prison term, ordering Walsh to pay €4,000 to the victim within six months, or to a local charity if the victim declined. The case was heard by Sinéad McMullan BL and defended by Karl Moran BL.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Poor player: 'Out of it' actor attacked taxi driver with Macbeth costume. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Secondary Mention

Topics

Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision

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