Man who racially abused taxi driver now feels 'terrible' A MAN who was racially abusive to a taxi driver was ashamed by his actions, a court was told.
Timothy Clark called Kandiah Pragasparan a racially derogatory term, damaged his taxi and struck his shoulder in a dispute over where he was going to be dropped off, Worcester Magistrates Court was told.
Matt Dodson, prosecuting, said Clark and a female accomplice got into Mr Pragasparan’s taxi near Priors Croft, Malvern, in the early hours of June 15.
He said the pair had just £5 to pay for the fare and a drop-off point was agreed.
Mr Dodson said during the journey, the duo demanded Mr Pragasparan take them further than was arranged and he refused.
Clark got out of the taxi and hurled racist abuse at his victim, kicked the car causing a dent in the bodywork and threw a “weak and feeble” punch, which connected with Mr Pragasparan’s shoulder.
The 20-year-old was arrested and during an interview with officers, Clark said he felt “terrible”
for his actions, denying he was racist as he had a family member who was mixed race.
He asked for officers to apologise to Mr Pragasparan on his behalf.
Clark, of The Glade, Malvern, pleaded guilty to causing racially aggravated criminal damage and assault.
Sam Lamsdale, defending, said it had been six years since her client last appeared before court and this was his first appearance at an adult court.
She said Clark’s six-year relationship had just come to an end and he had been drinking to excess.
Ms Lamsdale said his father had collected several character references from members of their community and he was ashamed by what he had said and done.
Magistrates sentenced Clark to a 12-month community order, with a requirement to carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work for the assault and 30 hours’ unpaid work for the criminal damage.
He must also pay £252 compensation for the damage to the taxi and £50 to Mr Pragasparan for the assault, as well as £85 costs.
http://www.malverngazette.co.uk/news/99 ... terrible_/
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