Joseph Hickey, 34, from Newport has been jailed for 30 months after seriously assaulting a Newport private hire taxi driver in February this year.
The court was told that driver Mohammed Mohit, 55, advised a heavily intoxicated Hickey that he couldn’t accept his fare as he had been booked for another job, at this point, Hickey refused to leave the cab and threatened Mr Mohit.
Over the Limit
A fearful Mr Mohit got out of his vehicle with the engine running and asked Hickey to leave his cab. Hickey then got out and forcefully pushed Mr Mohit to the ground resulting in a knee fracture. He continued to kick and punch Mr Mohit as he lay helplessly beside his cab.
He then took off in Mr Mohit’s Vauxhall Vectra, crashing into a parked car causing £2,300 worth of damage.
Cardiff Crown Court was told that Joseph Hickey was two and a half times over the legal drink driving limit with 89mgs of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
Unforgiveable Behaviour
Judge Patrick Curran said: “While he was in agony on the ground you kicked him and punched him. That is really quite unforgivable behaviour.”
Mr Mohit was hospitalised and required surgery to insert a metal plate into his knee, he will also need replacement knee surgery in the near future.
Hickey admitted to one count of grievous bodily harm, one count of aggravated vehicle taking while over the legal alcohol limit and driving without insurance.
Defence barrister, Heath Edwards, said his client had pleaded guilty to all offences and was remorseful of his actions.
Joseph Hickey received a total of 30 months imprisonment and an 18-month driving ban.