Winkhill passenger told taxi driver to 'go back to his own country'
TEENAGER Samuel Bradbury subjected a taxi driver to racist abuse as he drove him home after a night out.
The 19-year-old became aggressive as cabbie Khalid Mahmood took him from Hanley to Leek, and demanded some of his money back.
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Mr Mahmood was so frightened by Bradbury's behaviour he handed over £5 before stopping at the scene of a road accident to ask for help from police officers.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Bradbury got into the front seat of Mr Mahmood's cab at a taxi rank, and paid £21 in advance of the journey on July 14.
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Heather Chamberlin, prosecuting, said: "He started a conversation, suggesting the journey from Hanley to Leek would only cost £2 in a car.
"Then he asked the driver where he was from. When he said Shelton, the defendant said he shouldn't be in the country taking jobs from other people and he should go back to his own country.
"He became more aggressive. Mr Mahmood tried to calm him down, and said he would refund some money if the journey cost less.
"The defendant said, 'Now, or I'll teach you a lesson'. Mr Mahmood was frightened and handed over £5."
By this time they had reached Ladderedge in Leek, where they came upon the scene of an accident.
Mr Mahmood stopped his cab and ran over to police officers who detained Bradbury, of Winkhill, as he tried to walk away.
Bradbury, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to affray and theft.
The court heard Mr Mahmood thought Bradbury was going to seriously hurt him, and had never been in such fear in 23 years as a taxi driver.
Paul Cliff, mitigating, said: "Mr Bradbury is sorry for his actions on this night. This prosecution has had a dramatic effect on him.
"That night he had been out with older work colleagues and had too much to drink, and was unable to control his behaviour.
"He has enjoyed the benefit of a stable family life and his parents are dismayed by his actions. Despite this they continue to support him."
Bradbury, who is in full-time work, submitted a letter of apology for Mr Mahmood.
Judge Paul Glenn, left, told him he had come 'as close as you possibly could' to going to prison, but instead imposed an 18-month community order.
He said: "You have jeopardised your entire future by a few minutes of utter stupidity."
Bradbury must complete 18 months of supervision, 60 days of a specified activity, and 200 hours unpaid work.
He is also subject to a curfew between 10pm and 5am for three months and was ordered to pay £300 compensation to Mr Mahmood, plus £1,200 court costs.
Comments
by warren-lloyd
Tuesday, December 04 2012, 7:20PM
“Now fairs fair Fair Comment, this young lad is only 19 and everyone can have a jar or two with mates, he went to far and got mouthy, and with a bit of luck, he won't do it again. Most of us have been there.”
by Fair-Comment
Tuesday, December 04 2012, 4:14PM
“#warren-lloyd....."Young man, learn to drink before its to late."
Shouldn't that read "learn NOT to drink before it's too late"?
If someone can't handle their drink,they shouldn't drink,simples!
Most of us have been on a night out,had a few too many etc,but most of us just go home and sleep it off (no harm in that). My view is the moron is already there,it's not the drink that MAKES them a moron,it just takes away their inhibitions so that the moron takes over. I feel sorry for the people that have to deal with it...the taxi drivers,Police,Ambulance crews,parents etc.
Sadly,this is becoming common place in today's society :-(”
by johnwhite18
Tuesday, December 04 2012, 6:23AM
“There is no need for this type of belaviour but let's no forget it works both ways !”
by warren-lloyd
Tuesday, December 04 2012, 5:42AM
“Steven, how do you know that the driver is not born in this country, many with Asians backgrounds are, and are very proud of the fact. I'm worried about people entering the country, but the last thing I'm bothered about is people born hear and have every right to be hear.”
by stevenweiss
Monday, December 03 2012, 11:43PM
“I don't like the foreign invasion we've seen in the UK over the last 10 years or so but really, there is no excuse for violence or threats from one human to another whatever their lineage. Late night minicab drivers in particular have alot to put up with these days and they have my sympathy.”
by johnboy2011
Sunday, December 02 2012, 8:20PM
“Bang on SmellySock, theres some trouble kicking off up Chaplin Road this evening with about 20 Asian youths, taxis all over the place, police are there, I had to be directed on to Meir Road. but then again its nothing new up there.”
by arthurheath1
Sunday, December 02 2012, 6:33PM
“It's amazing how we continue to use the services of these highway bandits. I wonder how many of these taxi drivers use the services of white Christians in the UK?”
by SmellySock
Sunday, December 02 2012, 2:24PM
“this asian drivers GREED may have condemned a good young man,he has been HUNG,DRAWN & QUARTERED by the 'judge' he may be called a racist for the rest of his life,all because a asian driver know's the compo scam €300 coming his way that is a right result for the migrant & the english lad is screwed up,no violence just a few words spoken, ask your self this question if the driver was a white english man & a asian customer would this of even gone to court??? NO there's your answer! one rule for the migrant & one rule the the native white english,thats the biggest tragedy!! THEY HAVE THE LAW ON THEIR SIDE & THAT IS WRONG..”
by Johntoe
Sunday, December 02 2012, 12:15PM
“I'm saddened and sickened by this, Saddened that this cretin thinks that this is acceptable behaviour for anyone, and sickened that there are people who are not only prepared to make excuses for this behaviour, but some even support and condone it
and YES for a 'first offence' I think that it might be a 'tiny' bit of a harsh punishment, (But bad behaviour while under the influence of a drug, ANY drug, it's legality has nothing to do with it)
is no excuse whatsoever, in fact, I believe personally that ANY crime commited whilst 'under the influence' of ANY drug, even legal ones, should carry an automatic doubling of the sentence,
"Decent" people don't behave in this manner and a message needs sending to the knuckle draggers, a VERY loud and VERY clear one,”
by warren-lloyd
Sunday, December 02 2012, 10:09AM
“Can I ask you Gazzer, are your thoughts extended to all non UK born people living in this country, like people from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or only people you have taken offence to personally.
For the record, I agree that this youngster as been treated harshly for a first offence and drink can make people do and some strange things.”