Taxi driver drove down Bath street with a man clinging to his bonnetTaxi driver Paul Hunter has walked free from court after driving down a busy street in Bath with a man clinging to his bonnet.
The 57-year-old collected a passenger from the taxi rank at St James's Parade on December 14 last year.
As he prepared to leave, waiting customer Gregory Allan stood in front of the taxi following a disagreement about queuing.
Hunter, of Bradford Park, Bath, continued to drive forwards, causing Mr Allan to fall on to the car bonnet and cling on.
Mr Allan, described as "heavily in drink", was carried on the bonnet for at least 100 metres before he fell off, suffering bruising to his ribs.
Hunter, of Bradford Park, Combe Down, Bath, was convicted of dangerous driving following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.
Mr Recorder Michael Selfe handed Hunter a prison sentence of six months, suspended for two years.
"You drove off with a man on your car bonnet," the judge said.
"You had alternatives – the CCTV images taken that night show that there was a lot of other traffic about, including other taxi drivers.
"You could have contacted the police or stopped your car in the road and waited for assistance.
"When Mr Allan stood in front of you, you chose to drive on."
The judge said Mr Allan was "heavily in drink" and had "triggered" the incident by his behaviour.
"Being placed in a difficult position by a drunk man, you could and should have acted differently," he told Hunter.
Hunter was banned from driving for 12 months, ordered to pay a surcharge and court costs of £250.
"I have considered whether you should pay compensation to Mr Allan," the judge added.
"Having said what I said about Mr Allan's conduct I don't think compensation is deserved and so I make no order."
Representing Hunter, Charles Row said his client had been a taxi driver since 2011 after leaving a long career in the building trade.
"It was a job he actively enjoyed," Mr Row said. "He has lost his way of earning a living.
"The consequences of this are many."
Mr Row said his client hopes to return to work as a taxi driver following his disqualification period from driving.
"What happened that night was clearly out of character," he added.
Read more:
http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/Taxi-dri ... z3mfQBLU5S
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