Cork taxi drivers racially abused by Donegal man

The man was shouting abusive language to taxi drivers.

Taxi drivers working in Cork city centre were racially abused by a Donegal man working in Cork.

 Dylan Boyle, aged 26, of Errity, Manor Cunningham, Donegal, pleaded guilty on Wedneday at Cork District Court to charges of engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, and being so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others.

Judge Olann Kelleher told him that he would have to do community service if he wanted to avoid a jail sentence.

The judge added in relation to the racial abuse: “You cannot go around saying those things to people.” 

Sergeant John Kelleher said: “On September 4 at Washington Street, Garda Kate Bohane observed a man who was unsteady on his feet, slurring his words and his eyes were glazed.

“The man was shouting abusive language to taxi drivers who passed. He shouted, ‘Fuck off you Asian c***s’, while he was on the street. He also called gardaí ‘c***s’. He was arrested and taken to Bridewell garda station,” Sgt Kelleher said.

Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said the Donegal man was in Cork for his job and was never in court for something like this.

Judge Kelleher asked if the defendant accepted that he engaged in the racial abuse that was described. Mr Collins-Daly said: “He has no recollection of it. He has no idea why he would be saying those things.” 

Dylan Boyle apologised for his outburst on the night.

Judge Kelleher said he could do 200 hours of community service on the threatening charge and he fined him €400 for being drunk and a danger.