Drunken couple who beat taxi driver walk free from court A couple who beat up a cabbie in a booze-fuelled attack walked free from court after they vowed to sort out their drinking.
Michelle Kearns, 30, hit the driver on the head when he asked for her fare. Her 25-year-old boyfriend, Asher Brooks, then subjected the victim to a sickening attack before stealing from him.
The pair were spared jail in a Manchester Crown Court hearing because the of the time they had spent behind bars before sentence – and their claims that they were determined to give up the bottle. Each had been on remand for around six months, equivalent to 12-month jail sentence, because criminals typically only spend half their term locked up.
Both have now been ordered to attend Probation Service programmes.
Brooks – of Rylstone Avenue, Chorlton – admitted assault and theft.
He must and must attend a course called Control of Violence for Angry Impulsive Drinkers, after a judge told him the title ‘summed him up’.
Kearns – of Ellen Wilkinson Crescent, Longsight – admitted assault. She must attend an alcohol treatment programme and a women’s programme.
Both are subject to 12-month community orders with supervision.
The court heard the victim went to pick up a fare in the early hours of May 17 in Hulme.
Brooks approached the car and claimed to be the man who had ordered it. He then got in with Kearns.
The driver took them to Palatine Road after the pair asked to go to Didsbury. But when it was time to pay they suddenly became violent.
Kearns hit him from behind before her lover Brooks, who was in the front passenger seat, punched him repeatedly in the face.
The cabbie fled the car in panic, but Brooks chased him down, punched him again in the head, kicked him in the stomach and demanded his keys.
The man refused, so Brooks went back to the car, stole cigarettes, cash and the radio before walking off with Kearns and entering a nearby hotel.
Both were arrested shortly afterwards.
The court was told by defence counsel that the couple had split up since.
Sentencing, Judge Roger Thomas QC told the pair of thugs: “People who in drink attack taxi drivers who are just providing a service late at night usually find themselves going straight into prison – as it is you have spent over six months in custody.
“I hope I don’t see you again but if I do, and it’s in breach, it won’t be a happy outcome.”
Det Con Dave Bigger, of West Didsbury CID, said: “The victim was going about his usual business when he was subjected to this violent attack.
Fortunately he did not suffer serious injury, despite an onslaught of punches.”
source:
http://menmedia.co.uk/
Login
Register
FAQ
