GAA coach hit taxi driver

A GAA coach trashed a taxi by jumping up and down on its roof after assaulting the driver when they got into a row because the cabbie was using his phone.
David Byrne (23), who was described in court as a "brilliant" footballer, punched the cab driver in the face, broke the taxi meter, climbed on to the roof and smashed the sign after refusing to pay his fare.

He was intoxicated and being driven home with his girlfriend.Byrne had the case against him adjourned for a restorative justice programme report after he paid compensation to the driver. Byrne, of Owensilla, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to assault, criminal damage, being drunk and a danger to traffic, breach of the peace and failing to pay a taxi fare at Coolock Lane on May 16.

Dublin District Court heard that gardai were on duty at 1.20am when they were called to the scene of an assault. They found the taxi driver chasing after Byrne, shouting at him. Byrne was arrested at the scene and taken to Swords Garda Station, where he was unco-operative and had to be restrained.

The cost of the damage to the roof sign, meter and wing mirrors was €490. The court heard the taxi man's car was in the garage for three days and he lost earnings as a result. Byrne had also refused to pay his €18 fare. Byrne was currently out of work and had enrolled in a further education course in DCU, his solicitor said. He was heavily involved in the GAA in his area, playing senior football with Ballymun and training young people at the club.

Judge Patricia McNamara said references handed in to court described Byrne as a "brilliant footballer". He had a lot of alcohol taken on the night and was extremely intoxicated, the court heard. He did not usually do this as he took his training very seriously.

"He was in the taxi with his girlfriend, the driver was using the phone, he asked him to stop using the phone and an argument ensued," Byrne's solicitor said. "He apologises sincerely for his actions." The judge adjourned the case to January 10.