Taxi boss warns of no-go areas after a vicious attack
ACTION needs to be taken to keep cabbies safe as they work — or parts of Bolton will become no-go areas for drivers, a taxi boss has warned.
Nick Astley, managing director of Metro cars, based on Tonge Moor Road, has spoken out after a thug, who bit, punched and put his arm around one of his taxi driver’s throats, was given a suspended jail term.
Mr Astley said crimes were taking place against taxi drivers and cars each week.
He added: “You always think the sentences aren’t enough, but I am glad this case has been dealt with relatively successfully.“ What is going to end up happening is there will be places in the borough that taxi drivers just won’t go to. Something really has to be done.”
James Casey, aged 19, pleaded guilty at Bolton Magistrates Court yesterday, to attacking Edmon Babainas, after he was asked to pay £10 in advance for the fare.
Nicola Ormerod, prosecuting, told the court the victim had picked up Casey, a woman and another man on January 14 at 11.30pm.
The woman got out at the Shell garage on Bury Road and the men asked to be taken to Kentmere Road.
Mr Babainas asked for £10 because they did not seem to know where they were going.
Ms Ormerod said: “The defendant put his arm around Mr Babainas’ neck and tried to bite his head. Mr Babainas continued to drive — a passing driver noticed, stopped and assisted.
“He entered the White Horse car park, Casey started to run off down the road and was apprehended by members of the public.”
Casey, of Glaister Lane, Bolton, told police he offered the driver his phone because he had no money but “lost it” and punched Babainas. The court heard Casey could not remember biting the victim’s forehead.
Mr Babainas, who has been attacked twice while working, had scratches to his forehead and a sore neck.
Rebecca Sharpe, defending, said Casey was studying for a management course and was very employable.
Casey was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, a 12 month supervision requirement, and a two month curfew to remain at his parents’ address between 9pm and 7am. He was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to the victim.
■ A 57-year-old taxi driver was attacked on Morris Green Lane by two passengers in October, 2010, while 41-year-old Ali Khan had a knife pulled on him after being called to Bailey Avenue in Breightmet, also in October last year. In August, Iqbal Ismail, was the victim of an attempted armed robbery in Rothwell Lane, Little Hulton.
source:
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/
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