Robert Mitchell, 36, was jailed for 30 months on May 8 after admitting to the attack, which was sparked by a dispute over a small upfront fare.

The incident, which occurred on March 23, reportedly began when the man questioned a taxi driver for parking in a disabled bay without a Blue Badge.

To mark its official launch in the city, the taxi firm enlisted the help of Darth Vader, a squad of Stormtroopers, and the Mandalorian to greet the public.

Stuart Thomas Sharp, 54, appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court where he admitted to forging his taxi licence, badge, and vehicle plate to trick an operator into believing he was still legally allowed to work.

The Brent Green Party has launched a petition urging Mayor Sadiq Khan to suspend the pilot, arguing that the autonomous vehicles "do not meet the minimum safety standards" required for city streets.

Andrew Peters, representative for the Brighton and Hove Cab Trade Association, warned that the situation is now “interfering with the work of taxi drivers” as customers become too intimidated to use the rank.

A team of officers from Essex Police, the DVLA, and Uttlesford, Braintree, Chelmsford, Harlow and Wolverhampton council staff, pulled over 50 vehicles for inspection.

City councillors were told at a recent meeting that the South Gyle site should be operational by May or June once final "snagging lists" are completed.