Taxi driver assaulted with mirror of car

A 36-year-old man who assaulted a taxi driver with a mirror he broke from the cab, has been warned he will go to jail unless there is compensation for his victim.

Martin McDonagh, Paradise Place, William Street, pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage charges arising out of an incident which occurred on 15 April last.

Sgt Ray Brady gave evidence that a 1.30am a taxi driver was sitting in his vehicle in Peter Street when McDonagh got in. He had no money and was told to get out.

He left but then got back in. He hit the driver a couple of times before breaking off the inside mirror to strike the man again.

McDonagh has 55 previous convictions, and his solicitor Eleanor Kelly added he has for a long time had a difficulty with alcohol but has been sober for five weeks.

Judge Coughlan said if there is no compensation on 7 September he will impose a five-month sentence.

McDonagh was granted legal aid.