Taxi driver row ends in violent assault at rank

A TAXI driver ‘repeatedly punched’ a fellow driver following a row at a rank outside Burton Railway Station, a court heard.

Mohammed Naukhez, 57, of Grange Street, Burton, launched into an attack on Munawar Ali after a row erupted over fares.

Mr Ali became incensed after Naukhez parked his taxi at the front of the queue at the rank in Station Street, which regularly picks up passengers coming from the train station, with Naukhez said to have broken an ‘unwritten rule’ widely recognised among drivers.

Burton Magistrates’ Court heard how Mr Ali, who was parked at the back of the queue, got out of his car and approached Naukhez, who has worked as a taxi driver for more than 30 years, who was said to have become aggressive before launching into the assault.

Father-of-five Naukhez, who was suspended following the incident on April 23, had claimed that he acted in self-defence, but that was rejected in court where he was found guilty.

Emma Thompson, prosecuting, said: “Mr Ali said he grabbed hold of him only to prevent further attack. He was then punched repeatedly in the face, thrown around and kicked in the stomach. Mr Naukhez said ‘I am going to kill you’.”

The court heard how Mr Ali had been left with a bruised eye and a bloody nose following the attack

Naukhez was handed a six-month community order and was also ordered to pay £175 compensation to Mr Ali.

John Skinner, defending, said it was currently unclear whether Naukhez would return to driving a taxi.

He said: “This was an isolated incident involving an argument over taxi spaces. He is a 57-year-old man with no previous convictions.

“He has been unable to work for the last three months, clearly that has had a financial impact on himself. Although he optimistic of regaining his licence he has not had that confirmed yet, and I am a little more pessimistic as to how long that will be.”

source: http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/