Taxi Driver Online

August 6, 2007 Monday

Taxi driver kicked in face

A KIDDERMINSTER man has been jailed for 15 months at Worcester Crown Court for attacking a taxi driver after following him to his home.

Mark Addleton abused Hubert Lock as he drove away from the taxi rank in Kidderminster town centre on December 8, said Susan Cliff, prosecuting.

Mr Lock responded with an abusive gesture and was surprised when Addleton turned up at his home a short time later. Realising Addleton was an accomplished kick boxer, 58-year-old Mr Lock armed himself with a crowbar.

There was a scuffle in the front garden when Mr Lock was pulled over a wall and then kicked in the face. He was treated in hospital for bruising to his nose and lip.

Addleton, 38, of Windermere House, Hurcott Road, Kidderminster, was convicted by Kidderminster magistrates of assault causing actual bodily harm.

His barrister, Ian Strongman, said Addleton claimed he was acting in self-defence but magistrates ruled it was too excessive.

The court heard that Addleton had 51 previous convictions, including five for violence but Judge David McEvoy QC said he was not classifying Addleton as a danger to the public because of the time lapse between the offences.
___________________