“HE WAS LEFT TERRIFIED”: Drunk thug jailed after racially aggravated assault on taxi driver in Durham
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A man who racially abused a taxi driver before repeatedly punching him in the head has been jailed, in a case that again brings driver safety into focus for the taxi trade.
Jonathan Olley, 38, was picked up by the driver in Durham City on 8 December last year and asked to be taken to West Cornforth. During the journey, Olley became increasingly agitated when he could not locate the address he was trying to find.
The driver had already asked Olley to pay £20 upfront because he was so drunk at the time of the journey. As the situation escalated, Olley launched a violent attack inside the vehicle, raining punches onto the driver’s head, using racial slurs and threatening to kill the victim’s family.
The driver suffered injuries to his head and jaw in the assault. The incident also had an immediate impact on his ability to continue working that night, cutting short his shift and affecting the fares he was prepared to take afterwards.
Jonathan Olley was sentenced to 80 weeks in prison after admitting assaulting a taxi driver, using racial slurs and making threats
In a victim impact statement, the driver said: “During the incident I felt very scared and was worried that he would not leave the vehicle and continue to assault me.”
He added: “After the male exited the taxi I continued to work for approximately an hour and a half, but during this time I was still scared and did not pick up anyone who was drunk. I then ended my shift early as I did not feel like I wanted to work anymore due to the assault and fear.”
Olley was arrested and charged with racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He admitted the offence, which was committed while he was already serving a suspended sentence.
At Teesside Crown Court on Monday 23 March, Olley was jailed for 80 weeks. The sentence closes the criminal case, but the attack is another reminder of the risks frontline taxi drivers can face when carrying intoxicated passengers, particularly during late-night work.
PC 9898 Bolden, from Durham Constabulary, said: “Olley’s behaviour towards the taxi driver, who was simply trying to do his job and provide a service for the community, was absolutely despicable.
“He was left terrified, fearing for his own safety, and unable to call for help due to being in an isolated area.
“I hope Olley uses his time in prison to reflect on his shameful behaviour and how his actions have affected his victim.
“Hate crime in any form will not be tolerated and I hope this result sends a clear message that anyone found to be committing such offences in County Durham and Darlington will be brought to justice.”
