Judge describes man as an idiot after attacking Derby cabbie in food row

A man has been described as an "idiot" by a judge after being convicted of attacking a cab driver.

34 year old Thomas Dowd from Dewchirch Drive, Sunyhill, Derby, pleaded guilty to assault and causing criminal damage after he appeared before magistrates earlier this month. 

The court heard how the 34-year-old father had been picked up by a taxi from a bar in Spondon and had asked to goto a McDonalds in Osmaston Park Road and then  on the way to Sunnyhill.

As Dowd went to eat his food in the cab  the driver asked him not eat in his vehicle.

Dowd then threw his coke drink at the driver before punching him a number of times. 

As a result, the cabbie has had to take time off of work due to being partially blinded in his right eye after the attack. 

District Judge Jonathan Taaffe slated Dowds behaviour,  saying: "This court will protect people simply trying to go about their business, however, if you went to prison today it would be for a relatively short period of time."

It was reported in Derbyshire Live that Dowd was given a 14-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months and given 150 hours of unpaid work. He also had to pay £1,000 in compensation to the victim, costs of £85 and a £115 victim surcharge.

Image Source: Public Domain Pictures