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| West Yorkshire Police Sgt guilty of attacking cabby http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42614 |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Tue Jun 09, 2026 4:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | West Yorkshire Police Sgt guilty of attacking cabby |
Police officer punched and strangled taxi driver https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c992v2epl84o A police officer strangled a taxi driver while he was behind the wheel before punching him in the head six times in an unprovoked attack, a court heard. Sgt Edward Howard, who works for West Yorkshire Police in the Bradford area, pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and assault when he appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court earlier. The court was told Howard had been out drinking with colleagues prior to the attack in Cleackheaton on 10 November 2025 and had been sent home in a taxi for being too drunk. He was spared jail for the "brutal" attack, and instead given a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and made to pay the driver £400 in compensation. The court heard the taxi driver had been travelling "at some speed" when Howard leant forward from the back seat and grabbed him by the neck with both hands and squeezed them. CCTV footage then showed him punching the man before getting out of the car, which had just left the motorway, when it came to a stop. The driver, who was unharmed, then drove off. He later said he thought Howard "was going to kill him". District Judge Dave Kitson said Howard's "bizarre" behaviour could have caused the car to crash, "with catastrophic results for all concerned". Moments before he lurched forward, he could be seen rubbing his hands together, seemingly limbering up his arms and slapping himself in the face. 'Extreme behaviour' Defending Howard, Tom Harris said his client had admitted his actions were "terrible and shocking". There was a "very high" chance he would lose his job as a result, Harris added. He cited numerous character references in support of Howard but admitted it was a "brutal attack" as part of a "bizarre episode". The defendant was still unable to recall the assault, or anything about the circumstances, he added. It was "very much" a one-off incident, Harris told the court. An inspector who had worked with Howard said he had "proved himself to be extremely diligent, professional and respected" during his six years in policing. He also held a "victim-focused mentality", they added. Harris said his client had given himself up when he learned of his wrongdoing. Sentencing, Judge Kitson told Howard: "I don't know what came over you and I am sure you don't either. "It really was extreme behaviour." The defendant was also ordered to pay a total of £199 in costs. Det Ch Supt Tanya Wilkins from West Yorkshire Police said: "Sgt Howard has taken responsibility for his actions, and this behaviour falls well below the standards we expect. "It is vital we uphold the highest standards and our officers lead by example on and off duty. "Now that the case has concluded, misconduct proceedings will be considered." |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Tue Jun 09, 2026 4:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: West Yorkshire Police Sgt guilty of attacking cabby |
Quote: CCTV footage then showed him punching the man before getting out of the car, Chance of this thug being convicted without CCTV is a big fat ZERO. Quote: There was a "very high" chance he would lose his job as a result, Harris added. Good. |
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| Author: | StuartW [ Tue Jun 09, 2026 4:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: West Yorkshire Police Sgt guilty of attacking cabby |
Quote: The defendant was still unable to recall the assault, or anything about the circumstances, he added. As per usual, it would be interesting to know precisely what provoked the attack, if anything. But nothing in the piece to evidence what provoked him. Of course, there may have been nothing at all, and there's nothing in the piece to suggest the driver knew what provoked him either. |
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| Author: | Sussex [ Tue Jun 09, 2026 5:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: West Yorkshire Police Sgt guilty of attacking cabby |
Quote: As per usual, it would be interesting to know precisely what provoked the attack, if anything. It's because he can't control himself when he is pi**ed up, which is why his mates/colleagues couldn't get rid of him any faster. |
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