Court: Taxi driver attacked pair over parking spaceA TAXI driver who attacked a woman and a child in a rage over his parking spot being taken could end up losing his cabbie’s licence.
Sajjad Hussain (38) of Gladstone Street, Peterborough, punched Zita Sedjukevica and kicked a 15-year-old girl when Miss Sedjukevica parked her car outside Hussain’s house.
Peterborough Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday that Miss Sedjukevica’s two-year-old son was asleep in the car during the attack on November 5, when Hussain punched her in the cheek in anger at her taking his parking spot.
Hussain denied the attack, but was convicted of two counts of assault by beating at a trial before magistrates earlier this month.
Yesterday he was sentenced to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and pay Miss Sedjukevica £100 compensation. He was also ordered to pay £850 costs.
The court also heard the father-of-six could lose his taxi driver badge following the conviction.
Giles Beaumont, prosecuting, told the court: “The victim parked outside the defendant’s house, while she visited her cousin, who lived next door.
“It was at about 4.20pm on November 5 and Mrs Sedjukevica had a two-year-old son asleep in the car.
“The defendant pulled up near the car and said she could not park where she had and said park on the other side of the road – where there were double yellow lines.
“She asked why and the defendant said ‘because I live here’.
“He became aggressive and pushed his arm up against her cheek. She said ‘don’t do that’ and pushed him off. The defendant then punched her in the right cheek and tried to kick her.
“At that point more householders came outside because of the commotion and a 15-year-old girl tried to intervene, but Hussain kicked out at her as well and made contact with her leg.
“The defendant then drive off, leaving both victims in pain.”
Jeremy Roberts, defending, said Hussain lost his temper and is now “likely” to lose his taxi badge as a result.
He added: “Hussain has now apologised for his behaviour. This was completely out of character.”
Peterborough City Council has said Hussain’s licence will be reviewed once he has informed the council of his conviction.
They added: “Public safety is our primary concern and considerations for cases are made on an individual basis.”
The council has the power to revoke a licence if there has been a conviction or caution for an offence involving dishonesty, indecency, violence or a traffic offence.
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