Taxi driver ‘attacked and abused'

2:40pm Friday 25th July 2008

A MAN allegedly attacked and racially abused a taxi driver, punching him repeatedly in the head and face, a jury was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Adam Green, 22, was said to have challenged alleged victim Ajmal Sharif to a fight on a supermarket car park during the late night journey from Colne.

Green was later arrested and blamed a friend who had been with him. He claimed he was not responsible for the assault and had not abused Mr Sharif.

The defendant, of Glenview Road, Burnley, denies racially aggravated assault by beating, on February 15.

David Macro, prosecuting, told the court the alleged victim was working in Colne at about 11.30pm, when he saw the defendant and another man. They got in his taxi and he agreed to take them to Burnley.

During the journey along the M65, Green was sitting behind the driver and his friend was also in the back, behind the passenger seat.

Mr Macro said Green was saying things about Asians and when they drew near to Burnley Asda, he allegedly said he hated Asians and wanted to fight Mr Sharif on Asda car park.

The driver ignored the comments and took the pair to Branch Road, where he was told to stop. The defendant then repeatedly hit him.

(Proceeding)

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