Passenger who hit taxi driver gets curfew delay so he can go on holiday

Aslam was sentenced at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Wednesday

Amin Aslam (36), of Leatham Avenue, Kimberworth, was ordered by a judge at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court to serve an eight-week curfew for assualting a taxi driver following a dispute over the fare.

But after being sentenced, Aslam told his solicitor, Mr Mark Carter, that his girlfriend had booked him a holiday from February 13 to 15, and asked if his curfew could be delayed.

District Judge for Sheffield Mr Paul Healey agreed that Aslam’s 7pm to 7am curfew could begin at 7pm on Saturday, February 16, instead of the day of his sentencing hearing yesterday (Wednesday).

Aslam hit taxi driver Mr Ghanzanfar Ali at 4.30am on Sunday, June 24 last year, Mr Mark Hughes, prosecuting, told the court.

“The defendant struck him because there was a dispute regarding the fare,” said Mr Hughes.

“It seems the defendant was really reluctant to pay what was required.”

Aslam was interviewed by officers on October 4 and admitted the offence.

Mr Ali suffered a cut and a swollen lip, Mr Hughes said.

CCTV footage of the assault was played to the court.

The victim said in a statement read to the court: “I would like to see the male who assaulted me prosecuted by the courts.

“I have done nothing wrong and I do not deserve to be hit in this way.”

Mr Hughes said Aslam initially did not respond to a postal requisition but pleaded guilty to assault by beating at a hearing at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on January 4.

Mitigating, Mr Carter said Aslam had delivered a single blow with the back of his hand which was “clearly serious” but “at the lower end of the scale”.

He added: “Genuine remorse was expressed by him at the police station during his interview with a police officer."

Mr Healey said: “It’s an assault on a taxi driver — someone going about their business, trying to earn a living.

“It’s a difficult job, they are in a vulnerable position and they have a right to do their job.”

Aslam was also given a 12-month community order and was ordered to pay £200 compensation to Mr Ali.