Man jailed for beating Taxi driver before stealing and crashing vehicle into parked cars

A man who assaulted a taxi driver and then took his vehicle for a joyride before crashing into a row of parked cars has been sentenced to 20 months in jail by a judge at Oxford Crown Court. Joseph Hammond, 29, who was under the influence of alcohol, faced charges of assault by beating, aggravated vehicle taking, drink driving and driving without insurance or a licence. The incident took place last November in the centre of Witney. Hammond jumped into the cab at a taxi rank at around midnight. A discussion about cost sent Hammond into a rage before the taxi driver asked him to exit the car. Hammond refused to leave the taxi, but instead began to punch his victim several times in the side of the face, forcing him out of the driver's seat and onto the pavement. Hammond jumped behind the wheel, speeding off. Drunk and unable to control the vehicle, Hammond was seen swaying across lanes before the joyride came to an abrupt end when he drove the taxi into a row of vehicles. Hammond managed to flee the scene but police officers caught up with him shortly afterwards when he was arrested. According to a report in the Oxford Mail , Hammond was sentenced to 20 months in jail, along with a £1,000 fine and a four year ban from driving.