Pair run from €23 fare then try to assault taximan

TWO young men ran away from a taxi without paying a €23 fare and then used a shovel as one tried to assault the pursing driver and the other man smashed the windscreen.

At Cork District Court, Judge Leo Malone said: “It is a most serious matter to confront who has driven you home with a shovel and break his windscreen and assault him. Is there any reason they should not go to prison?”

The question was posed to solicitor Emmet Boyle for Michael Selaru, of 16 Fernway, Bridewood, Ballincollig, Co Cork, and Michael O’Connell, of 32 Innismore Grove, Ballincollig.