Oxford cabbie attacked and beaten in row over £5.60 fare

A man has been jailed for attacking a cabbie and leaving him with a fractured cheekbone after a row over a £5.60 fare. 

29 year old Karim Belhimer, of Stanley Close, North Hinksey, had already pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Oxford County Court heard how taxi driver Sohar Ali received a fractured cheek bone, cuts and a large swelling to one eye, after Belhimer kicked and punched him around the head and neck, leaving him lying on the floor. 

Prosecutor Cathy Olliver told the court that the attack occurred in the early hours of 17 February last year.   

Belhimer got into a Mr Ali's cab in Hazel Road, Botley, along with two other people. Ms Ollier described how Belhimer was drunk and being a nuisance from the moment he got into the cab. As Mr Ali drove the cab towards their destination, which was Girdlestone Road, the others passengers left leaving only Belhimer and the cabbie. 

When Belhimer was asked to pay the £11.60 fare he handed over £6. Mr Ali asked for the remaining £5.60, however, Belhimer refused, the taxi driver then threatened to call the police.

Belhimer then flew into a rage and began kicking and punching Mr Ali to the head and neck, leaving him on the ground. 

The police then arrived and Mr Ali was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital. 

Mr Ali's suffered a fracture to his cheek bone, cuts and swelling to one eye.  

Belhimer told police after his arrest that Mr Ali had been the aggressor.

Graham Blower, mitigating, stated that his client was alcoholic and also may suffer from autism.

The Oxford Mail reported Judge Peter Ross at Oxford Crown Court sentenced a weeping Belhimer to 36 months in jail.

Image Source: Thames Valley Police