Dublin Bus passenger headbutted garda car after mask row

Call centre worker Giorgi Pachkua (34) also accused gardaí of being racist as they dealt with the incident in Dublin.

Judge Treasa Kelly said she would apply the Probation Act if he made a €100 charity donation.

Pachkua, of Clarinda Park East, Dún Laoghaire, admitted threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour, attempted criminal damage and failing to follow garda directions.

Dublin District Court heard on February 14, the driver of a Number 79 bus requested garda assistance at Heuston station because two passengers, a man and woman, were being abusive and he wanted them removed.

Pachkua left the bus when told by the gardaí but shouted abuse at them outside. When directed to move on, he recorded the gardaí on his phone and said they were racist.

Pachkua resisted arrest and when handcuffed, started hitting his head against the roof of the patrol car in an attempt to damage it. He had no previous convictions.

The accused, from Georgia, had an altercation with the bus driver due to "mask issues," his solicitor Brian Doherty said. He was not refusing to wear one but "just didn't have it on him".

Judge Kelly said at the time, everyone on public transport had to wear masks and "you must do what is expected of you".

She adjourned the case for the charity payment.