We read all too often about violence against taxi and private hire drivers – and all too seldom about meaningful sentences being handed out to the perpetrators.
Thankfully justice was seen to be done in the case of Truro private hire driver, Gurhinder Singh Gill, following an unprovoked attack.
The incident took place last November, when Mr Gill took a call requesting a cab from an address in Camborne to go to Redruth, at around midnight. On arrival in Camborne, Nathan Sulley, 25, got into the cab and Mr Gill set off on their journey unaware of what was just around the corner.
Unprovoked Attack on Cab Driver
Sulley asked to be let out of the cab at Avers roundabout but once the taxi had come to a stop, he subjected Mr Gill to a horrific ordeal, wrapping his hands around Mr Gill’s throat. He repeatedly shouted and swore at Mr Gill while demanding money and threatening to kill him.
Luckily, Mr Gill managed to break free and get out of his cab. He then called the police as soon as Sulley started to run off.
Previous convict Sulley was picked up by police that night but denied the attack.
Risky Business
On the morning of Sulley’s trial at Truro Crown Court he changed his plea to guilty, admitting to assault with intent to rob and was sentenced to four years in jail.
Judge John Neligan said: “It is a risky business being a taxi driver and we are here to protect them.”