Taxi thug lashes out after refusing to pay fare – jailed for over two years!
A violent passenger who battered a taxi driver in Gillingham has been locked up for two years and three months. Louis Betson repeatedly punched and kicked the driver after refusing to pay his fare back in 2017.
Passenger refuses to pay, sparks brutal attack
In the early hours of 26 November 2017, Betson hailed a cab from the Luton Arches area just before 4am. He asked to be taken to Thornham Road, Gillingham, but was told he’d need to pay upfront because of the late hour.
Betson claimed he was a regular customer and said a relative would foot the bill. To seal the deal, he handed over his mobile phone as a deposit.
Violence erupts after fare dispute
When they reached the destination, Betson refused to pay and demanded his phone back. He then hauled the driver out of the cab and launched a vicious assault.
Not stopping there, Betson smashed the driver’s own phone and pinched cash from his pockets. He was arrested four days later but denied any wrongdoing.
He claimed he lost his wallet and intended to pay, even blaming the driver for provoking him with a false story about slapping a relative.
Jury finds Betson guilty – justice served
Betson, 20, of Napier Road, Gillingham, denied robbery but a jury saw through his lies at Maidstone Crown Court. He was convicted and sentenced on 21 May to two years and three months behind bars.
Detective Constable James Dark said: “Taxi drivers do a tough job and serve their communities, often working late at night feeling vulnerable. They should never face unprovoked violence like this.”
“Betson has rightly been jailed and I hope this brings some reassurance to the victim.”
