Drunk Lout Bashes Taxi Driver After Salisbury Night Out
On February 3, PC Hammond was patrolling Salisbury city centre when door staff flagged down Robert Marriner, 34, from Warminster. Marriner was drunk and acting aggressively.
Taxi Refuses Service, Attacker Throws Punch
PC Hammond told Marriner to head home. The yob got into a taxi, but the driver quickly kicked him out after Marriner turned abusive. Furious, Marriner punched the taxi driver in the face. Luckily, the driver escaped without injuries.
Quick Arrest and Tough Court Punishment
Police arrested Marriner and put him in the van, where he spat inside. At a recent hearing, Marriner pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage. He was slapped with a £1,234 fine.
He’ll also fork out a £492 victim surcharge, £85 court costs, plus £100 compensation each to the taxi driver and wiltshire.police.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wiltshire Police.
PC Hammond Hits Back: No Excuses for Violence
“When people come to Salisbury for a night out, any violence will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly,” said PC Hammond.
“I’m glad the courts have taken this assault seriously. Marriner had plenty of chances to go home and sober up, but instead he kept abusing the taxi driver.
“Taxi drivers work hard to get people home safe and shouldn’t face assault, whether physical or verbal.”