Taxi driver punched passenger in the face
A FURIOUS taxi driver punched a passenger to the ground, leaving him with a fractured elbow, when he announced he could not pay the fare.
Stephen Wellbeloved hit Ian Newman in the face with such force he knocked him over backwards and left him with broken bones requiring hospital treatment.
Sentencing the 66-year-old at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Richard Twomlow said: “It is always rather sad to see someone in court for the first time at your age.”
The incident happened outside the Red Dragon Centre in Hemingway Road in Cardiff Bay on September 7 last year.
Harry Baker, prosecuting, said passenger Mr Newman realised he did not have any cash and could not pay the fare.
The court heard Mr Newman asked the driver to take him to a cashpoint, then told him he could not get any cash out and there was an argument.
Prosecutors said CCTV showed both men getting out of the taxi, then the defendant punching the passenger to the face, causing a split lip. Mr Baker told the court the force of the blow knocked Mr Newman backwards to the ground, causing him to break his elbow.
The defendant picked up phone and drove off.
The victim went to the police station and made a statement, then Wellbeloved was traced through the number plate of the taxi and arrested.
Mr Baker said the victim was off work for a week and had to go to hospital twice, relying on the support of family and friends.
The court heard he suffered a “significant amount of pain” and had to take painkillers.
Wellbeloved, from Brynfedw in Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, admitted unlawful wounding and theft.
Derrick Gooden, defending, told the court his client had no previous convictions and the judge accepted the offending was out of character.
Judge Richard Twomlow made a 12-month community order and ordered the defendant to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity.
He must pay £1,500 in compensation and a £90 victim surcharge. his £700