Man beats up taxi boss over long wait (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Man beats up taxi boss over long wait

10:37am Friday 1st April 2005 in News By Sarah Woods

A DRUNK man made a taxi drive to its office so he could punch the controller after he was made to wait for his cab, Richmond Magistrates' Court heard.

Robert Freeman, 47, of Crofters Close in Isleworth, pleaded guilty to common assault which took place on March 13 on Whitton High Street.

The controller was in his office next to Whitton station and received a call from Freeman asking for a cab, said prosecutor Mr Levy on Wednesday.

The operator told him it would be about a ten minute wait but it took longer and Freeman phoned to find out where it was.

He became abusive and said: "I am coming to the office to sort you out." Mr Levy added.

Following this the controller cancelled the cab but decided to send one along after Freeman phoned back to apologise.

When the cab arrived Freeman told the driver to go to the office, which he did, unaware of the earlier conflict.

He walked in and punched the controller in the face seven times and shouted: "You have left me standing around waiting for a cab and I am going to do you." The court heard.

Speaking in defence solicitor Mr Cos said Freeman had lived in the area for about 12 years and always used this cab firm with no trouble.

On the night in question he had been drinking, which he does not usually do, and was deeply ashamed of his actions.

And he had also written a letter of apology to the victim, Mr Cos added.

The magistrates fined Freeman £750, ordered him to pay £250 compensation and £70 costs.

l A MAN from Teddington fell off a motorbike after driving while more than four times over the limit, Richmond Magistrates' Court heard on Wednesday.

Stephen Clarke, 33, from Harrowdene Gardens pleaded guilty to the offence and to driving whilst disqualified on March 18 at the Causeway in Teddington.

On the day in question he was seen riding a motorcycle, weaving all over the road, and he fell off the back, said prosecutor Mr Levy.

Clarke was helped by a pedestrian and the police and ambulance arrived.

Officers said his speech was slurred and he started to fall asleep while talking to them, the court heard.

The defendant was taken to the police station where a breath test showed a lower reading of 154, the legal limit is under 40, and officers also found out he was disqualified from driving until November.

Speaking in defence solicitor Mr Harris said Clarke had an alcohol problem and personal troubles.

The magistrates adjourned the case for reports before sentencing.

Clarke will appear again on April 7.

l AN 18-year-old man accused of criminal damage at St Mary's College University in Twickenham appeared at Richmond Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Carl Gordon of Claire Road in Greenford pleaded not guilty to the offence said to have taken place at the Waldegrave Park university on January 1.

Gordon is accused of damaging one door lock and door frame to the value of £200.

A trial date was set for June 1 at Richmond Magistrates' Court.