Suspended sentence for assault on Derry taxi assault

A man has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court charged with assaulting a taxi driver and criminal damage.

John Doherty (64) of Moyola Drive in Derry was charged following an incident that occurred on June 7 last year when a taxi driver reported that he had been assaulted by a passenger.

It was said to have begun with a row over the price of the fare when Doherty punched the driver several times in the face.

Upon exiting the vehicle, Doherty was said to have kicked it, causing £610 worth of damage.

Dash cam footage showed the assault and Doherty made full admissions when interviewed by police.

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Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that Doherty had a 'limited, historical record' and said that he was 'absolutely ashamed of himself'.

He added that it was Doherty's first time drinking in two years and that he hasn't drank since.

He was sentenced to twelve months in custody, suspended for two years.