Burslem taxi driver assaulted by two men who didn't like the CD he was listening toTWO friends assaulted a taxi driver after having ‘too much to drink’ on a night out.
Christopher McCue and Luke Curwen were on their way up to Hanley in a taxi on October 4 when they started to assault Habib Rehman.
The pair grabbed the taxi driver around the neck and punched him in the head before attempting to steal his cash bag.
But McCue, aged 21, from Vivian Road, Fenton, and Curwen, also aged 21, from Hailsham Close, Tunstall, were arrested after the driver honked his horn to attract the attention of police.
Now the duo have been ordered to complete a total of 460 hours unpaid work.
Prosecutor Steve Knowles, told magistrates at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre: “Habib Rehman was at work on October 4. He was outside Rajas takeaway, in Burslem, awaiting customers.
“He said the two men got into his taxi wanting to go to Hanley. Mr McCue in the back and Mr Curwen in the front.
“After a discussion, Mr Curwen asked for the radio to be turned on because he didn’t like the CD that the driver was listening to, then he told his friend, Mr McCue, to open the door.
“The driver told Mr McCue to shut the door, but Mr McCue swore at him and was racially abusive. Mr Rehman stopped the car and Mr McCue punched him to the right of the face, in the temple.
“Mr Curwen then moved towards the driver’s money bag. Mr Rehman felt another punch to the left-hand side of his face causing him to feel a bit dizzy. Mr Rehman was honking his horn to attract the attention of other taxi drivers.
“Mr Curwen then had the taxi driver in a headlock and punched him a few more times in the neck. Mr Rehman said it all happened really quick.
“The men were arrested at the car and both of them denied the incident.”
McCue eventually pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault and Curwen admitted assault by beating.
Defending the pair, Lee Yates, said: “Mr McCue tells me that he doesn’t hold any racist views and that he is not racist, but he accepts how seriously the court will view this. He’s expressed genuine remorse.
“Mr McCue is an excessive binge drinker, but he’s not alcohol dependant.
“Mr Curwen has a far less extensive record. He similarly consumed far too much alcohol which had a detrimental affect on his behaviour.
“These young men have acknowledged alcohol is something they need to address to ensure that incidents like this are not repeated.”
Magistrates sentenced the pair to a 12-month community order. Curwen must complete 180 hours unpaid work and McCue must carry out 280 hours. They both must also pay £100 compensation to Mr Rehman and an additional £410 in court costs.
Read more:
http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Burslem- ... z3OgrlyL1N
Login
Register
FAQ
