Passenger ripped up bag of suspected cannabis in taxi told garda to ‘f**k off’, court hearsA taxi passenger who ripped up a bag of suspected cannabis told a garda “f**k off you cheeky c**t”, a court has heard. Jamie Byrne (27) was struggling with addiction at the time, but had since spent time in prison and was now clean. Judge David McHugh ordered Byrne to complete 100 hours’ community service in lieu of two months in prison. The defendant, of Hanover Square, Dublin 8, admitted obstruction under the Drugs Act and threatening and abusive behaviour.
Garda Lee Keenan told Blanchardstown District Court that he stopped a taxi driver at Neilstown Road in Clondalkin on February 5, 2021. Byrne was a passenger in the taxi, and he got a strong smell of cannabis from him. Gda Keenan said he told Byrne he was going to be searched, and the defendant ripped up a bag. He then told the garda “f**k off you cheeky c**t”.
The court heard Byrne had 38 previous convictions. Defence solicitor Philip Denieffe said Byrne was struggling with addiction around 2020 and 2021, but had since served a jail sentence, and was now clean of drugs. He had been released from prison four months ago and had not come to garda attention since his release, Mr Denieffe added.
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Hasn't come to Garda attention in 4 months.' The man is practically an angel!
