Courts / Dublin / Report
Fair-dodger who punched female taxi driver avoids jail
Summary
Michael Kelly, 34, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting a female taxi driver after they refused to pay her fare. The incident occurred on 19 December 2022 when Kelly and his partner left a taxi without paying, walked into their home, and the driver pursued them to the front door. Kelly pulled the driver by her jumper and punched her several times, causing bruising and tenderness to her face. CCTV contradicted his claim of self‑defence. He has seven prior minor traffic convictions. The judge, Martin Nolan, imposed a suspended two‑year jail sentence and ordered Kelly to pay the driver €3,000 within nine months, or donate the amount to charity if she declines. The sentence was suspended on conditions, and no custodial time was imposed at this stage. The driver suffered nausea and dizziness and was treated at hospital the next day.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Fair-dodger who punched female taxi driver avoids jail. Charges or matters: assaulting the woman causing her harm. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 19, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- Christmas Other
- Christmas Eve Other
- 2024-01-30 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assaulting the woman causing her harm (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Handing down sentence, Judge Martin Nolan said he would not imprison Kelly at this point. He handed down a two-year sentence, which he suspended on a number of conditions, including that Kelly come up with the sum of €3,000 to give to the taxi driver within nine months.
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