South Shields man spared jail after racially abusing taxi drivier and making off without paying fare

Anthony Peacock, 40, of Stoker Avenue, South Shields, was handed a 20-week jail term, suspended for 18 months, when he appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

He was also ordered by the magistrates to pay £400 compensation to the driver, Bhupinder Singh.

It comes after Peacock pleaded guilty to charges of assault by beating, a racially aggravated pubic order offence and making off without payment.

The offences happened in the early hours of Thursday, September 26, last year.

Peacock, who the court was told avoided paying a fare of £25.60, was also ordered by the magistrates to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and to pay a £121 victim surcharge, with court costs of £85 to pay.