South Shields man punched taxi driver to the ground in mix-up over fare after night out

Jake Bell, of Strathmore Gardens, South Shields, struck Tauqeer Shah when challenged for the cash after being driven home from Newcastle on Saturday, June 8.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard Bell, 27, believed a pal who alighted on route at Hebburn had paid the full fare.

Unbeknown to him he had not handed over a penny, leading Mr Shah to demand the money from Bell at journey’s end.

Magistrates fined him £420 after he pleaded guilty to charges of assault by beating and making off without making payment.

Prosecutor Jeff Taylor said: “On the way, one passenger at about Hebburn intimated that he had lost his wallet.

“It stops at Strathmore Gardens and Mr Bell gets out and starts to walk away. He is challenged by Mr Shah and there is a disagreement.

“A witness observes the males pushing each other and that the defendant then punches Mr Shah to the ground. She sees him hit the floor and Mr Bell being aggressive.

“In fairness to Mr Bell he was cooperative with the police when then arrived. He has pleaded guilty, albeit that the taxi driver struck him first.

“Mr Bell was possibly the worse for wear for drink. Everyone who catches a taxi knows that at some point someone has to pay.”

Val Bell, defending, said Bell had been out with work colleagues and had consumed alcohol, adding: “They agreed to get a taxi.

“A fare of £30 had been agreed and he believed that his friend had given the taxi driver £30.

“When he gets out the car a couple of minutes later he is somewhat taken aback when the taxi driver asks him to pay.

“Mr Bell says that the taxi driver was the aggressor and that he pushed him back. It is agreed that he punched the taxi driver and knocked him to the ground.

“His girlfriend then came out. She rang the work colleague who said that he hadn’t paid. Mr Bell then went out and tried to pay.

“It was a very unfortunate occurrence to what had been a very pleasant works’ night out.”

Bell was fined £420 for the assault, with the failure to pay classed as an aggravating factor.

He must also pay £30 compensation to Mr Shah, £85 courts costs and a £42 victim surcharge.