Courts / Dublin / Report

Army officer carried out 'shameful attack' on taxi driver

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 14 February 2023, Daniel Keane, a 36‑year‑old Irish Army NCO, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, production of an article and making off without paying for a taxi. The incident occurred on 7 December 2019 when Keane and his partner, both intoxicated, had a verbal dispute with a taxi driver at St Anthony's Crescent, Crumlin. Keane left the vehicle, entered the driver's house, and used a 2‑ft black fire poker to strike the driver on the hip and face, causing injuries that required hospital treatment. He also stole €100 from the driver's wallet, later returned it, and took the driver's phone. The court imposed an 18‑month prison sentence, suspended in full for two years on strict conditions, and ordered Keane to pay the driver the €20.80 fare.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Army officer carried out 'shameful attack' on taxi driver. Charges or matters: assault causing harm, production of an article and making off without paying for a taxi at St Anthony's Crescent, Crumlin on December 7, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 7, 2019 Incident
• 2023-02-14 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report