By Ronan Judge

A 22-year-old man allegedly assaulted a taxi driver and stole his phone after a row over a fare, a court has heard.

Details of the incident at Greenview Heights, Newcastle on January 28 were outlined at Galway District Court where the accused appeared on three summonses.

Patrick Ward, with an address at 12 Greenview Heights, Newcastle, is accused of assault causing harm to Naeem Ashraf, contrary to section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against The Person Act as amended by section 20 of the Criminal Justice Miscellaneous Provisions Act.

He is also charged with with stealing Mr Ashraf’s phone which is valued at €250. On the same date and at the same location, it is alleged Patrick Ward, dishonestly made off without paying the taxi driver €26.60 for the fare, contrary to section 8 of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

Sergeant Joanne McGhee told the court that it would be alleged a verbal dispute arose after Patrick Ward was unable to pay the fare when the taxi stopped outside his home. Ward allegedly struck the driver near his eye and stole his mobile phone before exiting the vehicle.

Judge Lydon accepted jurisdiction to hear the case in the District Court. She directed that statements be provided to defence solicitor, Catherine McDarby and remanded the accused on bail to appear again on December 8.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.