Courts / Dublin / Report
Taxi hijacker threatened to "blow head off" victim
Summary
In May 2016, a 22‑year‑old man named Shane Murphy hijacked a taxi in Dublin after threatening the driver, Joseph Aladegbola, that he would blow his head off. Murphy demanded the driver exit the vehicle, which Aladegbola complied with and fled to a nearby house for help. Aladegbola later told Gardaí that Murphy had placed his hand in his jacket pocket, leading Aladegbola to believe a gun was present. Murphy was charged with unlawfully seizing a vehicle by force or threat and dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The case was adjourned to October 12, 2016, with a judge ordering Murphy to continue rehabilitation work. No gun was recovered, and the incident was described by Aladegbola as a nightmare that left him in fear for his safety and that of his family.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Taxi hijacker threatened to "blow head off" victim. Charges or matters: unlawfully seizing a vehicle by force or threat and dangerous driving in Ballyfermot on August 30, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 30, 2014 Incident
- October 12 Adjournment
- 2016-05-04 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: unlawfully seizing a vehicle by force or threat and dangerous driving in Ballyfermot on August 30, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She said there had been "a significant escalation in the type of conduct which he is prepared to engage in" and added that in normal circumstances the case would "warrant a custodial sentence".; Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to October 12 next and ordered Murphy to continue to engage with a local project to facilitate his rehabilitation.
Places mentioned
- Wheatfield Avenue
- Dublin
- Cherry Orchard Avenue
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Neilstown Road
- Cherry Orchard Avenue
- Croftwood Drive
- Croftwood Park
- Cherry Orchard Drive
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request