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| Southport Man Escapes Jail for Assaulting Cabbie and Officer http://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7962 |
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| Author: | Cybro [ Thu Feb 14, 2008 2:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Southport Man Escapes Jail for Assaulting Cabbie and Officer |
12 Feb 2008 Drunken attacker escapes jail AN ENGINEER who drunkenly attacked a police officer and a cab driver has narrowly escaped jail. Southport magistrates took into consideration Gary Rodwell's early guilty plea, remorse and previous good character when sentencing him to 200 hours unpaid work, instead of the 'guideline' prison sentence for assaulting a police officer. Rodwell, 28, of Belmont Street, Southport, had been out drinking with his twin brother to celebrate their birthday on Saturday January 20, the court heard. They got a taxi home around 5am and it was Rodwell's belief that the driver short-changed his brother. He got out of the cab, opened the driver's door and kicked cabbie James Johnston "in a stamping action" and punched his jaw, Helen Clifford, prosecuting, said. The driver called the police and when they arrived he spotted Rodwell and pointed him out to the officer. During his arrest Rodwell ignored a request to calm down and "lunged" at the officer's head before throwing punches, one of which connected with officer James Dale's right cheek, Mrs Clifford said. Defending, Michael Braham said the assaults had not caused serious injuries. "There is no doubt drink has played a very substantial part in this very unhappy episode," he said. "Mr Rodwell concedes he consumed far more alcohol than he ought to have done." He could not fully remember the attacks, but admitted he must have done them, the court heard. Mr Braham added: "He shows remorse and can't believe he has done this. He put it all down to having drunk an exceptionally large quantity of alcohol and has not consumed any alcohol since. He is thoroughly ashamed of himself." On Friday February 8, Rodwell was sentenced to 200 hours unpaid work and must pay £100 compensation to each of his victims and £65 prosecution costs. Source: Champion Newspapers |
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