Police Warn – It’s the End of the Road for Racist Passengers

The incident took place in the early evening of 6th July this year, when a 59 year old Asian taxi driver accepted a fare from a young couple on Albert Road in Middlesbrough.

An argument over the arrangements for payment took place, despite the driver having already explained this to his passengers.  The 59 year old was then physically attacked and racially abused by the male passenger.

Mark Brown was charged to Teesside Magistrates’ Court on 21st August where he was found guilty and sentenced to a 12 month supervision order, a fine and costs.

As part of the order, Brown was banned from entering or attempting to enter a private hire or hackney carriage for 12 months.

Ian Sharp, Community Safety Sergeant for Middlesbrough Police, warned that he intends circulating A4 posters to every taxi office and 250 playing card size handouts with Brown’s picture and details on them to each taxi cab.  The posters and cards warn taxi firms not to accept him in their vehicles, and to contact Police if he is seen to do so.

Sgt Sharp said: “I believe this is the first ban of this type in the Cleveland area.  Publicising this case sends out a stern message that anyone suspected of such offences are likely to be arrested, and if found guilty of such behaviour will be very firmly dealt with, which could result in a similar ban together with any other punishment the Courts deem appropriate.

“We and our partners will continue to clamp down on racial abuse, using every means at our disposal.”

Idrees Rashid from the BME Network, an organisation which advocates on behalf of race hate crime victims said: “This is an excellent result which sends are clear message, that racially motivated behaviour and violence will not be tolerated in Cleveland.

“Through partnership with Cleveland Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and others we can make proactive stance against this type of menace. A ban from using taxis should serve as warning to other would-be offenders.”

Police figures reveal there have been 44 incidents of verbal or racial abuse or even assaults against taxi drivers so far this year.