Taxi Driver Online

This article felt like there wouldn't be much detail. Then the whole thing seems to be repeated, only with a lot more detail

It's like there's a short version, and then a long version

Apart from that, it's same old, same old. And, specifically, not the first time a drunk has gotten lairy when his other half has gotten too pished and the driver has terminated the hire


Electrician attacked Uber driver after night out and smashed taxi window

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/no ... r-32800732

Scott Hamilton, 36, was given a suspended sentence for assaulting an Uber driver after a night out in Sunderland

https://i2-prod.chroniclelive.co.uk/art ... milton.jpg

A drunken lout attacked an Uber driver when the lift home was stopped due to concerns his partner was going to throw-up in the car. Scott Hamilton had been on a night out in Sunderland with his partner when they were picked up by the Uber driver.

But when Hamilton's partner began "retching" in the back seat, the driver stopped the car to make sure she wasn't going to be sick. The journey was soon stopped altogether when Hamilton became aggressive.

A court heard Hamilton then punched the driver before smashing his car window and ripping off his rear view mirror. The driver sustained injuries to his head and lost around £3,000 in earnings following the attack due to having to take time off work.

On Monday, Hamilton, of Dean Gardens, Houghton-le-Spring, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage. The 36-year-old had pleaded guilty to the offences on the day of trial.

Night out

The court heard that on May 20, 2023, Hamilton and his partner had been drinking in the Queen Vic pub in Sunderland. The pair were later picked up by an Uber, which was going to take them back home to Houghton.

Cainan Lonsdale, prosecuting, said: "They were driving over the Wearmouth Bridge when the driver thought the defendant's partner was going to be sick due to her retching." The driver asked Hamilton if his partner was going to be sick, and made reference to an £80 "soiling charge".

Abusive

But when Hamilton became abusive, the driver cancelled the journey there-and-then and asked the pair to get out of the car. It was then that matters "escalated" and Hamilton ripped the rear view mirror off.

Mr Lonsdale said: "He punched the victim several times in the face and they left the vehicle. The defendant then threw an air freshener can which hit the victim above the eye, causing injury. He was then hit again to the back of the head."

Hamilton, who works as an electrician, then smashed the driver side window of the car by grabbing it and pulling it. The court heard he had seven previous convictions for 10 offences, including battery and being drunk and disorderly.

In a victim statement, the driver said he lost up to £3,000 in earnings due to having to take time off work and the damage caused to the vehicle. He said he now feels anxious when picking up customers.

'Remorse'

Jane Foley, defending, said Hamilton "accepts his behaviour was wholly inappropriate" and "expresses remorse". She said: "The events took place after an evening out. He accepts his behaviour was affected by alcohol and it escalated into a physical confrontation. It was not pre-meditated." Ms Foley added it was a "spontaneous loss of temper".

Recorder Lawrence McDonald sentenced Hamilton - a father-of-two - to 13 months prison, suspended for two years and ordered him to complete 270 hours unpaid work. He must also do 30 rehabilitation days and pay £3,000 compensation and £1,630 court costs.

Desperately hoping the victim and any witnesses didn't turn up.

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IDFIMH

I would hope the Fines Officer brings this scumbag back before the Judge if none of the above money is paid within a year. To allow the Judge to reconsider matters.

Of course, if the thug is an employed electrician, the money can be deducted from his wages.

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IDFIMH