Taxi driver assaulted in 'thuggish' attack

A TEMPO man who pulled a seat belt around the neck of the taxi driver who was leaving him and his friends home has appeared before Fermanagh Magistrates Court charged with common assault and criminal damage.

A judge described this behaviour as ‘thuggish’ and said this taxi driver was attacked while going about his work and trying to make a living.

Anthony Traynor (20) from KIllycula, Tempo admitted the charges and was sentenced to 240 hours community service as well as being told to pay £350 compensation to his victim.

On November 6 last year police received a report from a taxi driver that three male had been aggressive in his taxi.

One of the males pulled the taxi driver’s seat belt around his neck and he later found one of his head restraints was missing.

Police made their way to Tempo and went into the Milltown Manor bar where they spoke to two males who matched the description given by the taxi driver. After speaking to the two the defendant was identified and when police spoke to him later he admitted pulling the seat belt around the taxi driver’s neck but said it was only meant as a joke.

The defendant didn’t remember throwing the head restraint out of the window but he admitted he had a lot of drink taken that night.

Michael Fahy, defending, said his client accepted this was a serious matter with aggravating factors involved.