Taxi driver, 40, punched female passenger in jaw

A taxi driver was convicted of punching a female passenger in the jaw as the judge dismissed his allegations that he had been racially abused.

Charles Ibebugwu, aged 40, of 24 Coolmore Gardens, Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, was ordered to do 200 hours or community service instead of three months in prison for assaulting Cathy Brogan on May 31 2014.

Judge Olann Kelleher said that when Garda Aisling Murphy and Sergeant Pat Lingane arrived at the scene, there was no complaint by Ibebugwu of having been racially abused. Such an allegation was not made until he subsequently gave a statement and again in court.