Jockey punched taxi driver, tried to gouge his eyes out after fare 'confusion'

[Dr. Martin Gooter Bling]

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/jockey-punched-taxi-driver-tried-to-gouge-his-eyes-out-after-fare-confusion-826132.html

A Dublin jockey who punched a taxi-driver in the face and tried to gouge his eyes out is to be given community service in lieu of a jail sentence.

Christopher Timmons (29) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm at Morehampton Rd, Donnybrook on the night of July 24, 2016.

Timmons, with an address at The Pines, Castleknock, Dublin, penned a letter to the court saying he was “horrified” by his own actions, especially as both of his grandfathers had worked as taxi-drivers. Timmons said he no longer drinks alcohol.

He bought the sum of €3,950 to court to cover the financial losses suffered by the taxi-driver as a result of the assault

At the sentence hearing today, Judge Karen O'Connor ordered that a report be prepared to see if Timmons was suitable for community service.

She said that pending the outcome of the report, due in April, she will sentence Timmons to 200 hours of community service in lieu of 18 months in prison.

Judge O'Connor said that although Timmons had displayed violent and aggressive behaviour, she felt he would be more useful to society carrying out service rather than in custody.

The court heard that Timmons had hailed a cab on the night and there was “some confusion” over the fare in respect of another person who was already in the taxi.

The taxi-driver told gardaí that Timmons became very aggressive, slammed the passenger-door, punched the roof of the car and kicked the side door.

The driver then got out of the taxi and asked Timmons what he thought he was doing to him, before walking back towards his car.

Timmons then grabbed him from behind by his shirt, punched him in the face and was trying to “gouge his eye out” with his fingers.

Timmons then left the scene and walked towards Morehampton Road.

A victim impact report prepared by the injured taxi-driver said he suffered a financial loss of €3,941 and had since changed his job and had become a bus driver.

The court heard that Timmons has one previous minor conviction. He has completed a third level degree, works as a jockey and is now addressing his alcohol issues.

Judge O'Connor said testimonials on behalf of Timmons suggested that this was “out-of-character” behaviour.

She said Timmons was clearly a talented jockey with an impressive employment record, who had shown remorse and cooperated with gardaí.

The matter will return to court for finalisation on April 13.

[Dr. Martin Gooter Bling]

...and there's another €9 for your troubles.

[silverbullet]

I hope the community service involves giving racing tips to the less fortunate!

[Shallowhal]

I hope the community service involves giving racing tips to the less fortunate!

John m?

[Belker]

So, in short, he battered a Taxi driver who had obliged him in his drunken state to bring him home,
he battered the Taxi driver, then played the Violin in court and walked Free.

[Lizzzy]

..there was "some confusion" over the fare.... I bet there was, he was smart not to mention it.

[Belker]

The court heard that Timmons had hailed a cab on the night and there was “some confusion” over the fare in respect of another person who was already in the taxi.

I had that meself last week, a young couple flagged me down from across the street and I pulled in across from them, then Two other lads jumped in asking to go to Parchment square, the couple walk over and I ask them where they were going, she sez to College road which is directly on route to Parchment, so I told them to jump in. The first fella in the taxi was getting fair stroppy about having to share the cab, I just played the game repeatingly telling him that his fare would now be cheaper.