Derby yob smashes taxi window to escape cab without paying fare
https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/l ... ow-2976547
He will have to pay compensation
Image: Derby Telegraph
A yob who smashed a taxi window while on a suspended sentence for another crime has been spared jail.
Stephen Newton had been arguing with a woman in the vehicle after being picked up near Walkabout in Derby city centre.
Derby Crown Court heard how no payment was going to be made and the driver drove them to the taxi base in Stockbrook Street.
When they arrived he broke one of the windows of the vehicle before climbing out.
During the hearing it was revealed he was on a suspended sentence which was imposed in July last year.
Drinking
Judge Jonathan Bennett, who presided over the case, chose not to activate Newton's suspended sentence and handed him unpaid work.
He said: "You are 28 years of age and have something of a record.
"You came before St Alban's Crown Court for a serious matter of dangerous driving, drink driving and racially aggravated behaviour.
"The common theme is drink. The magistrates court sent you to this court as you were subject to the crown court suspended sentence.
"I have to decided whether to activate the suspended sentence, but I don't think it would be proportionate.
"I don't seek to minimise it (the criminal damage)."
Arguing with female
Christopher Jeyes, prosecuting, outlined the case to the court, stating it took place between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2018.
He said: "The complainant was on duty. This defendant and a female passenger were picked up outside Walkabout.
"They started arguing with each other."
The court heard how no payment was going to be made to the taxi driver and there were "discussions".
The driver drove to the taxi base where the police could be called.
Mr Jeyes said: "Once they arrived at that place the defendant started banging on the glass.
"The driver noticed the window was smashed. The defendant climbed out.
"The female passenger got out the other side. Both started swearing at him."
Several previous convictions
Police arrived on the scene and spoke to the defendant who told them "I'll just pay for it".
During his interview he gave no comment and gave officers a prepared statement.
The court stated he had several previous convictions with the most serious resulting in him being handed a nine-month sentence suspended for two years.
What did he get?
Judge Bennett handed Newton 40 hours of unpaid work for the criminal damage.
He then handed him another 40 hours for the suspended sentence breach, taking his total to 80 hours.
He stated that the suspended sentence would remain in place and that he must also pay £350 in compensation.
What was said in mitigation?
The court heard how Newton, of Village Street, Derby, was working well with probation and had completed his previous unpaid work, a skills programme and an alcohol treatment requirement.
Harold Ewing, mitigating said Newton felt "trapped" in there, but that wasn't in any way to excuse the incident in any way.
