James Thomas, 30, from Swansea, admitted criminal damage at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (July 21) after smashing a taxi window during a fare dispute on December 21. He had been at a Christmas party at the NEC with his partner, on their first baby-free evening since their 10-month-old was born.
The Incident
Thomas became irate when asked to settle the taxi fare from the venue to their hotel, the Crowne Plaza. Refusing to pay, he instead smashed the side window of the cab. Prosecuting, Ms Begum said police attended after the taxi driver reported the incident. The defendant's girlfriend later paid the outstanding fare.
Thomas offered to pay for the damage, having believed his employer would cover the taxi cost. He became upset when he realised that was not the case.
Court Proceedings
Representing himself, Thomas told the magistrates: “I hadn't drunk for a long time. We have a 10-month-old and I didn't drink through the pregnancy, this was the first time we had a babysitter - a baby free night. I got a bit carried away, and got a bit drunk. That's what happened. We had a Christmas party, so I thought I would have a drink and yeah, it was a bad choice.”
The court heard Thomas has 20 convictions for 37 offences, two of which were similar.
Sentencing
The chair of the magistrates told him: “Obviously it's not for me to tell you that you were a silly billy that night. You have probably dreamt it over since then. You don't have the most wonderful previous record which doesn't help.”
Thomas was fined £292, ordered to pay a £117 victim surcharge and £200 compensation, along with £85 prosecution costs – totalling £694. The taxi driver, who receives £200 compensation, suffered lost earnings as his damaged vehicle was off the road during a busy period.
The chair added: “We don't want to see you again, and you don't want to see us again. You can disappear back to Swansea now.”
