Taxi Driver Online

A CAB firm boss who attacked a teenage passenger after a dispute over a fare has kept his freedom – but faces the loss of his taxi licence. Burnley Crown Court heard how Abid Shah, 54, co-owner of M and M Taxis in the town, had slapped 18-year- old Laura Brown’s head three times, causing her pain and discomfort.

Miss Brown, who had just been set about by a man armed with a baton, was subjected to “gratuitous” violence at the hands of Shah as she stood near his office. Shah, a father-of-four and a taxi driver for 20 years, had his licence suspended 10 months ago and is now due to appear before the council who will decide if it is to be revoked, or not.

Shah, of Healdwood Drive, Burnley, admitted common assault, last April. He was given a community order, with 200 hours unpaid work. Sentencing, Recorder Kate Blackwell told him the disorder had been ugly, and if he had been involved in the weapon attack, he would have gone to jail.

She added the violence against the victim was “hot-headed and gratuitous”, and said: “Unfortunately, you sought to blame her.” Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said Miss Brown had been with a group of people in a taxi. They stopped to pick up a seventh passenger, there was a dispute over the fare and the driver decided to go back to the cab office, in St James’ Street, Burnley.

One of the group called police and claimed they were being kidnapped. The vehicle arrived at the office and the incident was then captured on CCTV. Miss Brown was standing with a friend in the middle of the road when she was struck with three blows to her head. The man with the baton then struck her twice and she went to the ground.

The defendant rang the police, but claimed to be a witness to the events. Mr Lamberty said police made inquiries and arrested Shah after viewing the CCTV. He was questioned, but denied being involved in the fracas. He was later interviewed again and insisted he had done nothing wrong.

Kate Morley, for Shah, said his taxi licence would be revoked for a lengthy period even if he got a community order. The barrister added: “He is desperate to put his life back on track, contribute to society and to return to his life as a taxi driver.”

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IDFIMH

Well we don't want scum like you, so please keep away.

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IDFIMH

Here here.

We seem to have so many hot headed, temperamental people that either are getting attacked by or attacking punters in the trade and it seems to me that most seem to have foreign names or is this just coincidence?

No..its Fact