Donna Dineen jailed for taxi hijacking and assault

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Donna Dineen was sentenced to five years and three months, with the final nine months suspended, for unlawful seizure of a vehicle and assault causing harm at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 23 October 2024. The offences occurred in Phoenix Park, Dublin, on 26 July 2023. Dineen pleaded guilty. The court heard she used a seatbelt to choke the taxi driver, dragged him from the vehicle and assaulted him before driving away. The judge said Dineen was the principal actor. The sentence included strict conditions, including 12 months under Probation Service supervision. The defence explanation included her history in care and homelessness, substance use and an abusive relationship. The proceedings were reported on 24 October 2024.