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Posted on the 23rd April 2025 in PHTM News
BURNLEY MAN AVOIDS JAIL AFTER BRUTAL ASSAULT ON PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER
A 27-year-old man from Burnley has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting to an unprovoked attack on a private hire driver who informed him of booking procedures.
Reece Rainey appeared at Blackburn Magistrates' Court where he pleaded guilty to assaulting Shabaz Akhtar, leaving the driver with multiple broken teeth and mouth injuries.
The court heard that the incident occurred outside a booking office where Rainey approached Mr. Akhtar's vehicle seeking a ride.
Prosecutor Courtney Thompson stated: "He was told he had to go into the office and book a taxi. He initially walked away but then returned and became aggressive to such an extent two other drivers locked themselves in their cars."
According to Thompson, Rainey then turned his aggression towards Mr. Akhtar, who was standing outside his cab. "He was punched about 12 times and had no memory of what happened after the last punch until he realised one of his colleagues was running him to hospital," she recounted.
The severity of the assault was underscored by the injuries sustained by Mr. Akhtar, who suffered "five or six broken teeth" with some requiring extraction.
In mitigation, Rainey's defence solicitor, Nick Cassidy, acknowledged the gravity of his client's actions. "He has never been in trouble before and finds it very difficult to explain his behaviour on this night,"
Cassidy told the court, adding that Rainey had been drinking excessively and now "hardly drinks at all." He conveyed Rainey's remorse, stating his client "accepted it had been a disgusting incident and wished to apologise."
Despite the violent nature of the assault, District Judge James Clarke opted for a suspended sentence. Rainey received a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 weeks, and was ordered to complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
He was also instructed to pay £3,000 in compensation to Mr. Akhtar, along with £85 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
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