An investigation has been launched following an assault on a Waterford City taxi driver in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident occurred in the St John’s Park area of Waterford City, in the early hours of Sunday, November 5th.
A man in his 50s was brought to University Hospital Waterford to be treated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. A number of drivers have reported assaults in recent weeks.
One taxi driver told WLR's Damien Tiernan of his experiences whilst on duty.
"With full strength, a man hit me in the head with a can. At that moment, I was out of my mind with fear. I still did not waste my time and react to them, I just kept driving and got rid of them.
"Another time, a man and lady were being difficult when there was an altercation regarding where they were being dropped. We agreed before that I would drop them at the entrance of Templar's Hall and no further.
"When I tried to come back to town, he pulled up the handbrake, full force and he started using abusive language. I asked the lady who was with him to try to calm him down, as she promised me there would be no issues when they got in the taxi. She just left and didn't look back. Meanwhile, the men started abusing and cursing at me."
The man continued saying that he just wanted to make a living.
"We are not out here to fight, we are making our bread and butter. We try to be kind and nice to everybody, as this is our business. Personally, I believe that everybody who gets in my Taxi brings a blessing to me, as they give us money and tips and treat us with respect."
Reacting to the recent assault on a taxi driver in John's Park on Sunday last, this driver says he knows of the incident.
"I knew the person. We live in the same area. I heard they beat him up and destroyed his face.
I have been doing this now for 16 years, when I first started this it was rough. I don't like to do nights much. I do what I can and I go home."
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