Taxi Driver Online

PH driver punched after running over and killing Swansea man's puppy

A CLYDACH man assaulted a PH driver who knocked down and killed his puppy before leaving the scene, a court heard.

Dog-owner Gavin Davies witnessed the hit-and-run outside his home in Tanycoed Road on February 24.

Swansea Magistrates' Court was told the 27-year-old immediately contacted the driver, Lawrence O'Sullivan's employers and asked that he come back to the scene.

Andrew David, prosecuting, said Mr O'Sullivan thought he had hit a cat.

"He thought he saw two cats run out in front of his car," he said. "The first cleared the car but the second made contact with his wheel."

Mr O'Sullivan didn't stop at the scene, but 10 minutes later returned after he was contacted by his taxi control room. "They said to him that Mr Davies had asked him to come back because he'd run over and killed his dog," said Mr David.

"He drove straight back."

The court heard on his arrival in Tanycoed Road Davies walked towards Mr O'Sullivan's car with "his fists clenched".

He then opened the door and told him: "You killed my dog."

"Mr Davies leaned into the car and punched Mr O'Sullivan," said Mr David.

"The prosecution says there were several punches."

The court heard Davies only accepted punching the victim twice and pleaded guilty to the common assault on that basis.

The dad-of-two also admitted causing criminal damage, after he kicked out at a Skoda vehicle following the attack.

"He said he did it because of the dog," said Mr David. "He did say in police interview he was sorry for hitting him and if he saw him again he would shake hands with him.

"He said he was upset because his puppy had been killed."

Rhodri Chudleigh, defending, said Davies lived with his partner of nine years and their two children.

"She's pregnant, expecting his third child," he said.

District Judge Richard Williams, sentencing, said: "This was an assault which you admit. You threw two punches and there was minor injury caused as a result. While I don't say the complainant provoked you, the circumstances were obviously ones that were plainly distressing to you."

Davies was fined £100 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr O'Sullivan, £120 compensation for the vehicle damage and a £15 victim surcharge.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/southwalesnews/

I know puppys are cuddly wee mites...but should'nt it be its owners responsibilty to have kept it under control and safe??? besides..dogs not being licenced anymore your under no obligation to reporting one thats been Hearth Ruggified by a Michelin ZX

PMSL

I agree, the PH driver is a b*stard

CC

Why had the owner let a puppy out onto the road off a leash in the first place I think maybe the RSPCA ought to investigate surely that is irresponsibility on the owners part to start with

When I was young I always had a puppy. My Mam used to make me get a black and white one. She thought the licence was cheaper.

Do you think he was Dog tyred atfer a long shift ?

Thats a bit woof

I take on board what you say, on balance I think you are correct, the private hire driver is a b*stard

CC

Is that because of him being PH or because he flattens puppys professionally ??

Good point.

I think there is more chance of him being a professional puppy flattener than a professional PH driver

CC

Pity he hadnt been a Hack driver..he'd possibly have missed the fluffy little target completely

Yes, but he wouldnt have been aiming at it, a little like trying to hit the pot when p*ssed.

CC