Fare-row passenger jailed for assaulting taxi driver

James Lindop took the taxi from his home in Esther Grove, Lupset, Wakefield, to the Superbowl some 2.6 miles away in December 2008 but then refused to pay the 4.80 he was asked for.

Adrian Robinson, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court yesterday that Lindop told the driver he usually paid 3 and that was all he had.

The driver showed him a chart justifying the fare and said he would radio in to report him. At that, Lindop punched him on the cheek before getting out of the taxi. He then stood in front of the vehicle and beckoned the driver out, dancing around like a boxer.

The driver got out and again asked for the fare, putting his hands up to defend himself from Lindop who produced a Stanley knife.

Neil Clark, for Lindop, said he had pulled the knife, which he had been using at home to lay carpets, to keep the driver away while he ran off. Since then he had realised he had to do something about his drug abuse and had sought the help of Turning Point. He was now on a methadone reduction programme.

Lindop, 29, admitted common assault, making off without payment and possessing an offensive weapon.