Thug spared jail after smashing cab window to escape paying fare

A thug who smashed a cab window in a bid to evade paying his fare has been spared jail.
Derby Crown Court heard how no payment was going to be made to the driver after Stephen Newton got into an argument with a woman who he was travelling just after they had entered the vehicle.
A little way into the journey the driver took them to the taxi base in Stockbrook Street upon realising that he wouldn't be paid, with the intent of calling the police. However,when the cab reached the base, Newton broke a window and climbed out of the vehicle.
The court heard that the female then got out of the vehicle on the other side and both passengers started vebally abusing the driver.
Newton had been picked up near Walkabout in Derby city centre according to Derbyshire Live.
When police arrived at the scene the defendant said to officers: "I'll just pay for it.”
It was revealed in court that Newton gave no comment, instead giving officers a prepared statement. The court revealed that Newton had several previous convictions, one of which resulted in him being given a nine-month sentence suspended for two years.
Judge Jonathan Bennett gave Newton 40 hours of unpaid work for the criminal damage, and also handed him another 40 hours for the suspended sentence breach, taking his total to 80 hours, stating that the suspended sentence would remain in place.
Newton was also ordered to pay £350 in compensation.
Image Source: Geograph
Image Author: Malcolm Neal