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Suspended prison sentence for woman who assaulted Muslim taxi driver in Norwich

Suspended prison sentence for woman who assaulted Muslim taxi driver in Norwich

Categories: Latest News

Monday January 30 2017

Norwich Evening News reported in December on the court appearance of a woman who pleaded guilty to assaulting a Muslim taxi driver after he refused her demand that he give her and her dog “a lift”.

Laura Farrier, 52, appeared before Norwich Magistrates’ Court last month in connection with an incident on 14 June 2016.

The court heard Farrier had approached the driver with her dog and “asked him for a lift” but he refused saying he was not permitted to carry animals in his vehicle.

The court heard that Farrier “lost her temper” and in a “rather obscene manner” made references to the driver’s “cultural background and heritage”.

Prosecutor Oliver Haswell said Ms Farrier told the driver that “she was English” and insisted the taxi driver “would have to take her wherever she wanted to”.

Mr Haswell told the court the driver had filmed part of the squabble, of which some audio was played to the court. The incident culminated in Ms Farrier “punching the driver in the face through the window of the car”.

Farrier admitted racially aggravated common assault and was told by the District Judge Mike Snow that a custodial sentence was inevitable.

Judge Snow said: “I’m afraid those that racially abuse public servants in this country have to expect a custodial sentence. The courts cannot tolerate this type of behaviour.”

Norwich Magistrates’ Court confirmed Ms Farrier was handed a 12 week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. She was also required to pay £800 compensation to the driver.

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