Well a lot of the mystery is clarified here
Quite a few interesting details, but no real point going over it all. But perp obviously a well known headbanger locally, hence the reluctance to give witness statements.
And, most importantly, not at all clear why the victim got out of the car and followed the perp
Although it does say they knew each other before the incident...
Newcastle thug caused taxi driver to suffer stroke after punching and kicking him in the streethttps://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/no ... r-27901895Photo:
https://i2-prod.chroniclelive.co.uk/inc ... mesJPG.jpgRobert Howey has been sentenced to three years and two months in custody with a 22 months extended licence periodA thug caused a taxi driver to suffer a stroke after repeatedly punching and kicking him in the street.
Robert Howey was drunk when he got into the man's taxi without booking. Newcastle Crown Court heard how the driver tried to explain that he had another fare but the 39-year-old wouldn't take no for an answer.
Neil Pallister, prosecuting, said the victim agreed to take Howey to his mother's address in Walker, Newcastle. However Howey subjected him to an unprovoked attack when he got out of the vehicle with him.
He told the court: "(The victim) followed the defendant to the address. He describes how the defendant turned on him saying 'Do you want a go do you?' and 'Do you think you can take us?'"
The court in Newcastle heard how the Howey repeated punched and kicked the taxi driver causing him to suffer a bleed on the brain as well as a fracture to the nose, a fracture to the finger and bruising. Mr Pallister said: "The assault precipitated a stroke.
"He was put to the ground during the violence and couldn't get up. (The victim) became aware of something badly wrong with his arm and tried to get into the car.
"He was helped by some of the residents in the street. They did get the defendant away from the victim.
"One of the residents was able to dial 999 and police were swiftly on the scene. Unfortunately some of the residents who went to assist the complainant wouldn't make statements."
The court heard how the victim already had a high risk of having a stroke and had suffered "life changing" injuries during the attack on April 3 last year. He was left with weakness in his left leg and arm and poor coordination.
Mr Pallister said: "He is unable to drive and therefore cannot work. The assault has made him nervous, paranoid, unable to leave the house without support from his mother. He has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
"He said his life had completely changed. He couldn't support his family, he just felt like a waste of space."
In a victim impact statement, the man said: "I'm still affected by the injuries I received during the stroke. I was paralysed and I was still being kicked and beaten. I'm worried about leaving the house and I have panic attacks.
"Everyday is hard work and I just want my old life back. I feel I can not get over the thought of what happened that day. It was so frightening and had such a long term affect on me."
Howey, of Alston Avenue, Walker, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm.
Susannah Proctor, defending, told the court: "The defendant is shocked and upset to discover the level of injury caused to the victim. They live in the same area and have known each other for a long time."
Ms Proctor said Howey has an alcohol addiction and had felt intimidation when the man came towards him and he understand how misguided his views were at the time.
She said he grew in a "violent and difficult household" and has two children which he has no contact with. She said this causes him distress but he understands why the decision has been made.
Ms Proctor added: "He wants to put his head down, serve his sentence and carry on with his life because he can't carry on the way he was."
Judge Tim Gittins told Howey that he became "aggressive" after jumping into a taxi which he had not booked and the driver took him to an address.
He said: "You left the taxi then he mistakenly thought that the best way of keeping you calm was to get out of the vehicle at one address so you know that he wasn't leaving.
"He did nothing to provoke what you did, if viewed through sober eyes."
The judge told Howey that his actions had precipitated him having a stroke. He said he accepted that he had demonstrated some remorse.
He went on to say: "I accept that you did not know that he was vulnerable to this sort of event. That is the risk you take in attacking someone you don't know in detail. His life has been turned upside down as a result of your attack upon him.
"Frankly, you are fortunate that you are not facing a charge of fatality."
Judge Gittins sentenced Howey to three years and two months in custody and a 22 months extended licence period - a total sentence of five years. He also handed him a restraining order against the victim.
Chronicle Live previously reported how police descended on the street following the attack and a taxi was cordoned off. Neighbours said they had heard that a taxi driver had been assaulted.
A woman, who asked not to be named, said she was woken by the sound of shouting at around 2am and witnessed the attack take place. She said: "I heard shouting so I got up. It was frightening to see. We have got three daughters. It’s horrible."
A passer-by, who asked not to be identified, said: "Poor taxi driver, he's probably just been doing his job. I was just passing and I recognised the registration plate. I think he lives along the street from me."
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