Taxi Driver Online

Yorkshire Evening Post

March 27, 2008

Leeds pensioner, 74, in racist attack on cabbie over 10p

A PENSIONER prodded a taxi driver in the face with his walking stick in a racist row over a 10p fare increase.

Peter Reeder, 74, unleashed a tirade of racist abuse on the driver during a row over the fare.

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The former rail signalman admitted using racist language and shouted "You people are ripping me off". The great-grandfather then poked his walking stick through the window, hitting the driver in the eye. On his arrest, Reeder told police: "You are only arresting me because I'm white."

Leeds Magistrates Court heard how Reeder admitted the offence but said he believed the window was shut. Reeder, of Cow Close Road, Lower Wortley, apologised and said he never meant to injure the driver.

It was January 8 when Reeder took the cab home. The driver asked him which one of two routes he would like to take, which prompted the outburst.

The court heard that Reeder said: "You illegal people, you don't know where you are going. On arrival, a row broke out as the fare was 10p higher than usual which resulted in the taxi driver being attacked.

Reeder was ordered to pay a £100 fine and £100 in compensation to his victim. He also had to pay £60 costs and a victim surcharge of £15, making a total of £275.
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