Taxi driver dragged passenger 250m along road after fare row, court hears

A taxi driver dragged a passenger along a road with his car for 250m following a dispute about a fare, a court heard.

Martin Rehill, aged 63, with an address at Daroge, Seven Oaks, Rathmines, is accused of dangerous driving, failing to stop following the occurrence of an injury, and not keeping his vehicle stationary following an alleged incident at Rathgar Road, on Dublin’s southside, on May 31.

Garda Aron Lawlor told Judge Michael Walsh at Dublin District Court that one of Mr Rehill’s passengers was unable to pay a fare and rang his mother and arranged to pay at his house.

It was alleged the taxi driver asked him to leave his phone in the car as security but the man refused to hand it over, at which point Mr Rehill then drove him to Rathmines Garda Station.

Garda Lawlor said the man got out of the car but the driver stayed in his car.

It was claimed the passenger opened his door and asked the driver if he was coming in and it was alleged at that point Mr Rehill, “took off at speed at Rathgar Rd, trapping the injured party between the taxi and the road”.

Garda Lawlor said it was alleged Mr Rehill dragged the man for 250m, shouted at him that he was mentally ill and “repeatedly jammed on the brakes”.

Another taxi driver witnessed the incident and pulled up beside Mr Rehill to “box him in” after which “the injured party freed himself”, the court heard.

Judge Walsh was told the man “did not receive life- changing injuries”.

Defence solicitor Maura Kiely said “the allegation is vehemently denied” and a not guilty plea was entered by Mr Rehill.

Judge Walsh adjourned the case until January.