Cork man fined following drunken row over taxi fare

A man got into a row over paying a fare in advance with a taxi driver and when it continued outside the Bridewell Garda Station, he shouted at gardaí: “I want my f***ing tenner back.”

Solicitor Frank Buttimer told Judge Áine Clancy at Cork District Court that 25-year-old Kevin Buckley of 5C Shanakiel Pl, Blarney Rd, Cork, was upset at being asked for money upfront when he got into the taxi.

Mr Buttimer stated that the passenger and driver argued and then the taxi was driven to the Bridewell station — where there was more arguing.

Mr Buttimer said the gardaí arrived and the taxi driver drove off.

Kevin Buckley pleaded guilty to being so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others and also engaging in threatening behaviour.

Judge Clancy fined him €200 on the threatening charge and took the drunkenness into consideration.

Mr Buttimer said: “He is very sorry he ended up verbalising so loudly in front of guards. He had been socialising.

“The taxi driver wanted payment upfront and Mr Buckley took offence at that.

“If he wanted to make a complaint, he should have made it the next day at the PSV [public service vehicle] office at Anglesea St, but he did not have the sense to do that at the time.”

Sergeant John Kelleher said the incident occurred on Cornmarket St, Cork, at 2.45am on January 18, when gardaí observed a man outside Bridewell Garda Station.

“The man became irate following a disagreement with a taxi driver,” Sgt Kelleher explained.

“The taxi driver left the area and Mr Buckley began repeatedly shouting at gardaí: ‘I want my f***ing tenner back’.”