Longford man with almost 60 previous convictions and who assaulted taxi driver escapes prison term

Francis McDonagh (41) of Moydow, Kenagh was charged with assaulting taxi driver Adrian O'Brien, public intoxication and criminal damage to property.

Sergeant Enda Daly said the matter before the court arose from an incident that took place at 8:10pm on June 19, 2021 at Battery Road, Longford. The defendant was the passenger in a taxi driven by Mr O'Brien.

A dispute arose between the parties and Mr McDonagh, who was “extremely intoxicated” at the time, assaulted the taxi driver and then damaged the roof lining of the vehicle. Gardai arrived at the scene and arrested the defendant.

Mr O'Brien made no victim impact statement. The court was told Mr McDonagh had 57 previous convictions; including public order, possession of drugs, and criminal damage.

Solicitor John Quinn said his client had €800 in court as compensation to the driver. Mr Quinn said Mr McDonagh was “out of order on the night” when he “had a row with the taxi driver”. The solicitor said his client has moved out of the area and is now living in Dublin.

Mr Quinn put Mr McDonagh's behaviour down to his “extreme intoxication” that evening. He said the defendant is now working and has paid compensation to the victim.

Judge John Brennan described it as a “nasty incident for Mr O'Brien”. Judge Brennan said: “He was assaulted while in his work. His work vehicle was damaged. This was not pleasant for him. Some people would have had a level of trauma from such an incident, but Mr O'Brien made no victim impact statement.”

The judge said a custodial sentence is warranted, however taking into consideration factors such as the early plea of guilt and that the defendant is working and so less likely to reoffend he would impose a suspended sentence.

Judge Brennan handed down a six months prison term, but suspended it for 12 months on condition that the defendant enter a bond of €300 to be of good behaviour.