Jail for Plymouth man who slapped taxi driverA Plymouth man has been jailed for 16 weeks after 'falling off the wagon' and slapping a taxi driver while drunk.
District Judge Diane Baker told Michael Pope: "You were angry, you kicked the vehicle and you slapped him [the driver] hard - all while on a suspended sentence order for a previous offence of violence."
Pope, 33, of Colebrook Road, Plymouth, said he had "fallen off the wagon" that night in February, after not drinking since New Year's Eve.
He pleaded guilty to assaulting Ernest Manea in Saltash and causing criminal damage to his taxi when he appeared before the District Judge at Bodmin Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Alison May, for the prosecution, said that Mr Manea had picked up a fare from Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, on the night of February 20 and was waiting in his Toyota Prius outside a chemist for the customer to collect a prescription when suddenly a very drunk man – Pope – got into the back of his taxi.
"Pope was stumbling around in the back and Mr Manea told him to get out," said Mrs May.
"Pope slammed the door and kicked the panel. As Mr Manea grabbed Pope to detain him, Pope slapped his face."
Mrs May said that there was damage to Mr Manea's taxi and he lost the rest of the night's takings as he was not able to continue working because of the incident.
Julian Berg, for the defence, said that Pope was "appalled" by his behaviour and couldn't remember what happened.
"He's an alcoholic who us trying his best," said Mr Berg, pointing out that Pope had worked with probation and was willing to continue to do so.
Ms Baker said that Pope had shown genuine remorse and was clearly struggling with his addiction but the assault on the taxi driver alone deserved a custodial sentence.
He was jailed for a total of six weeks for the two offences with a further ten after the suspended sentence was activated. He was also ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge.
Read more:
http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Jail-Pl ... z42tbqvIHF
Login
Register
FAQ
