Taxi Driver Online

Racist rant at cabbie during row over fare

Published: 29/07/2011 08:00

A taxi driver recorded a man racially abusing him after a dispute over the fare, a court has heard.

Stephen Baker, of St Luke’s Road, Horninglow, admitted racially aggravated harassment when he appeared at Burton Magistrates’ Court.

The 46-year-old had been drinking heavily at a party before taking a cab home with his wife and another woman at 11.40pm on July 16.

Alka Marston, prosecuting, told magistrates that one of the women started arguing with the driver and then Baker joined in.

“He was using foul racist language towards the cab driver,” she said.

“He was shouting at him and being really abusive so the driver called the police and then recorded what the defendant was saying on his mobile phone.”

The prosecutor added: “The driver lost £40 to £50 in earnings, for which he needs compensating."

“When the police arrived they arrested Baker and the recording was played to the officers, who clearly heard him shouting the racial remarks."

“He was taken to the police station and he now says he can’t remember anything other than waking up in a cell confused.”

John Skinner, defending, said Baker was ‘deeply ashamed’ of his behaviour, especially as he himself had been subjected to racial abuse before.

Mr Skinner said: “He had no memory of the ride home — he was severely intoxicated."

One of the women got stuck while trying to get out of the taxi and the driver started shouting at her, that’s why he (Baker) got involved.

“The driver was shouting at her saying she needed to pay before leaving."

“He is a man of good character and he hasn’t been in trouble since 1993.”

Baker was fined £160, reduced to £105 for his early guilty plea. He was also told to pay compensation of £50 to the driver , as well as £85 in court fees and a £15 victim surcharge.

Baker, who was told by magistrates that it was unacceptable to abuse a taxi driver performing a public duty, will be made to pay the fines back at a rate of £20 per week.

Source; http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Racist ... 072011.htm

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Brummie Cabbie.

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i think its in thier culture to be racist and abusive, just take the money before you go and give them change when you get to the destination.

Whos culture

Well to be honest most cultures.

Add the drink to it and what was happened then happens 1000s of times each and every weekend.

I'm just glad the driver had the good sense to record it.

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IDFIMH