Minicab driver vows never to work again after unprovoked assault outside nightclub A minicab driver has vowed never to work behind the wheel again after he was assaulted in an unprovoked attack.
Chris Richards was dropping off three women in Middlesbrough when he was punched in the face.
Mr Richards, 42, now says he will never drive a minicab again because of fears for his safety.
He said: “I don’t ever want to be in that position again. Who knows what could happen next time? No one deserves to be assaulted while they are working.”
Mr Richards, who works for Blue Line Minicabs, was parked up outside Flares in Albert Road, on Saturday when the attack happened.
He said: “I had picked the women up from Thornaby .
“I was parked up outside Flares and they were just sorting out the money when a man walked in front of the car, round to my side window and punched the glass.
“I got out and asked him what he was doing and he punched me on the cheek.
“He then started trying to rain more punches but I managed to dodge them. He was eventually dragged off down the road by a woman.”
Mr Richards, from Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough, reported the assault to police and was left with a black eye.
He said: “I am worried it will happen again which is why I won’t get back behind a wheel.
“What is the main issue, is in that situation, I can’t defend myself. I have to keep my hands to myself and make sure I don’t hurt him.
“If I tried to punch him back I could lose my licence. The guy was really drunk. You just don’t know what people are capable of.”
Mr Richards, who has a 15-year-old daughter, works as both a mechanic and driver for Blue Line Minicabs.
He said: “I drive at weekends and work as a mechanic during the week. So I have decided not to drive any more.
“It isn’t worth it. What happened has affected my confidence.
“It is a shame but when you are working you shouldn’t have to worry that you might get assaulted.”
A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said the incident was reported to them at 10.10pm on Saturday.
source:
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teess ... rk-8254851
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