Taxi driver battered by customer who refused to pay the full farehttp://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/1625267 ... full_fare/A TAXI driver was battered by a customer who refused to pay the full fare.
Raymond Clarke struck Nawed Khushdil numerous times, leaving him with multiple injuries to his face and body.
After Mr Khushdil managed to get away and contact police, he heard smashing noises in the distance and saw Clarke, 35, severely damage his car and windscreen.
At Southampton Magistrates’ Court, Mr Khushdil described Clarke as “the worst customer he had ever had”.
Mr Khushdil picked up a serial offender Clarke, who had previously been convicted of 84 offences, many including assault, from an address in Thornhill.
During the journey to Lordshill, prosecutor Giles Fletcher said: “Mr Khushdil heard spitting noises from Clarke. When the car stopped at the address, the defendant did not pay the full fair so Mr Khushdil asked for the rest of the money.
“Clarke then launched an unprovoked attack on Mr Khushdil’s face, with a clenched fist, and then a struggle ensued.”
Mr Khushdil struck back but Clarke continued to beat and kick the defendant.
When he returned, more than £800 worth of damage was caused to his Volkswagen Passat.
In a statement Mr Khushdil said: “I am scared and shocked. I work long hours and this was at night. It’s affected my personal health.
Clarke, of Croydon Close, Lordshill, denied assault, however.
But at his trial magistrates found him guilty.
He pleaded guilty to criminal damage.
David Storey, mitigating, said Clarke had struggled with alcohol following the death of close family members before the incident and that he was hoping to take medical tests to see if he suffered from ADHD.
Clarke was sentenced to 20 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He must pay £967 compensation and £250 costs.
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