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.

Mr Boyle said both men were grossly intoxicated at the time and later made full admissions and accepted responsibility for their actions.

Mr Boyle said Selaru had gathered €300 and O’Connell €200 to compensate driver Bikram Jeet Singh.

Inspector Michael McGuire said the taxi driver picked up the fare on Grand Parade in Cork city on March 17 and drove them to West End, Ballincollig, where both passengers ran away without paying.

The taxi driver ran after them when Selaru used a shovel in an attempt to assault the driver, who managed to get it from him. However, he stumbled and fell. O’Connell picked it up and smashed the windscreen.

Both pleaded guilty to not paying the fare and were fined €300. Selaru pleaded guilty to assault, while O’Connell pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage. They received suspended sentences of three and four months respectively.