A taxi driver dragged a passenger along a road with his car for 250 metres following a dispute about a fare, a court has heard.
Martin Rehill, 63, with an address at Daroge, Seven Oaks, Rathmines is accused of dangerous driving, failing to stop following the occurrence of an injury, and not keeping his vehicle stationary following an alleged incident at Rathgar Road, on Dublin's south-side, on May 31st.
Garda Aron Lawlor told Judge Michael Walsh at Dublin District Court that one of Mr Rehill's passengers was unable to pay a taxi fare and had rang his mother and arranged to pay at his house.
It was alleged the taxi driver asked him to leave his phone in the car as security but the man refused to hand it over at which Mr Rehill then drove him to Rathmines Garda station.
Gda Lawlor said the man then got out while Mr Rehill stayed in the car.
It was claimed the passenger opened Mr Rehill’s door and asked him if he was coming into the Garda station.
At that point, it is alleged Mr Rehill “took off at speed at Rathgar Road trapping the injured party between the taxi and the road”.
Gda Lawlor said it was alleged Mr Rehill dragged the man for 250 metres, shouted at him and “repeatedly jammed on the brakes”.
Another taxi driver witnessed the incident and pulled up beside Mr Rehill to “box him in”, the court heard. Gda Lawlor said it is alleged the car then came to a halt and “the injured party freed himself”.
Judge Walsh, who was furnished with a medical report , was told the man “did not receive life changing injuries”.
“He has physically recovered, but mentally I am not sure he has recovered,” Gda Lawlor said.
Defence solicitor Maura Kiely said “the allegation is vehemently denied” and a not guilty plea was entered by Mr Rehill.
The prosecution are going to call seven witnesses and Ms Kiely said the defence may also call some.
Judge Walsh said it was a serious matter and he adjourned the case until January when there will be an indication of the number of witnesses and a trial date will be set.