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Pair abused taxi man and broke car window
A BLACKBURN taxi driver was left shaking after being racially abused by two men, a court heard. And Preston Crown court was told that Waqar Shah had the misfortune of being the victim of crime on two separate occasions.
Appearing for sentence were Samuel Madden, 19, of Oban Drive and John Murphy, 20, of Exeter Street, both Blackburn. They had admitted making off without payment and racially aggressive threatening behaviour.
Murphy admitted threatening behaviour relating to the first incident Madden was jailed for seven months. Sentence was adjourned on Murphy for the probation to make further inquires. He will be sentenced on June 26 and was conditionally bailed.
Judge Andrew Gilbart QC told the two: "Taxi drivers have the right not to be abused and they have the right not to be abused about their ethnic origins. It demeans you and it demeans them."
Mr Francis McEntee, prosecuting, said Mr Shah went to Exeter Street to pick up a fare - the two defendants. After stopping a couple of times, they got out. The front passenger window was smashed for no reason.
Mr Shah was afraid and slammed his car in reverse and drove away quickly. He said £120 of damage was caused to the taxi and the fare of £8 was not paid.
Another incident took place on September 2. Mr Shah went to pick up a fare and recognised the two defendants from the first incident. Mr Shah was racially abused. Robin Kitching, defending Madden, said his client was not racist.
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