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Man to be sentenced for violent attack on taxi driver
Summary
Nathan O'Rowe, 20, of Tallaght, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to a taxi driver on New Year's Day 2015. The court heard that O'Rowe and a friend mistakenly believed they had been picked up by their Hailo-ordered taxi. When the driver insisted he was booked for another passenger, the men became aggressive, accusing him of drink driving after spotting a beer can left by a previous passenger. After the driver attempted to leave to meet his actual passenger, O'Rowe allegedly punched him twice in the face. The men then allegedly threw stones and bottles at the vehicle before tackling the driver to the ground, punching and kicking him to the head. The victim, who suffered a fractured nose in two places and permanent disfigurement, blacked out during the second phase of the attack and used a wheel brace to defend himself. Judge Desmond Hogan adjourned sentencing to next October, indicating he may impose a suspended sentence. He cited O'Rowe's lack of previous convictions, guilty plea, and contrition as mitigating factors. The judge ordered a Probation Service assessment for community work suitability and remanded O'Rowe on continuing bail. O'Rowe's counsel stated his client offered €500 as a concrete measure of remorse.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man to be sentenced for violent attack on taxi driver. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to the driver at Clanbrassil Street, Dublin on New Year's Day 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- New Year's Day 2015 Incident
- 2015-06-10 Publication
Why: He didn't know if the men were still there because of blood in his eyes. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: assault causing harm to the driver at Clanbrassil Street, Dublin on New Year's Day 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Desmond Hogan adjourned sentencing to next October but indicated that he may impose a suspended sentence.; Judge Desmond Hogan adjourned sentencing to next October but indicated that he may impose a suspended sentence.
Places mentioned
Topics
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