JUST DESERTS


GRIMSBY MAN’S “DAFT” TAXI DISPUTE ENDS IN COSTLY COURT APPEARANCE


A Grimsby man’s decision to flee a taxi over a minor dispute proved to be a "very expensive argument" this week, resulting in a court bill totalling hundreds of pounds. Gavin Jeavons, 33, appeared before Chester Magistrates Court on December 23, where he pleaded guilty


to making off without


payment and using threatening or abusive words. The charges stem from a November 22 incident while Jeavons was working in Chester. The court heard that Jeavons was being driven to the Mercure Hotel when he requested a stop at a Co-


op to purchase cigarettes. When the driver informed him the store was closed and refused to stop, the situation turned hostile. According to the prosecution, Jeavons called the driver a “f****r” before jumping out of the vehicle and refusing to pay the £15.90 fare. Defence solicitor Chris Hunt told the court that Jeavons was “heartily ashamed” of his conduct. Hunt emphasised that the defendant recognised “the poor example he had set to his children. He’s got into a daft argument with a taxi driver just doing his job.” The defence noted that the legal


proceedings had already become a significant financial burden for Jeavons, who had to spend £100 on travel, lose a day’s wages, and pay for hotel accommodation just to attend the hearing. Magistrates opted for a financial penalty, citing his long period of staying out of trouble. However, the argument carried a heavy price tag comprising: fine of £266; victim surcharge of £106; prosecution costs of £85 and restitution of £15.90 for the driver. In total, Jeavons was ordered to pay £472.90 - nearly 30 times the cost of the original taxi fare.


ROAD RAGE MAN WHO TRIED TO GOUGE ABERDEEN CABBIE’S EYE AFTER FIVE-DAY BENDER IS JAILED


An Aberdeen man has been jailed for 30 months after a “shocking” road rage incident in which he attempted to gouge out a taxi driver’s eye following a five-day drinking binge. James Smith, 41, appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court for sentencing following the violent confrontation in August last year. The court heard that the incident began when Smith, who was heavily under the influence, crashed into the back of a taxi stationary at a set of traffic lights. The situation escalated rapidly when the taxi driver exited his vehicle to challenge Smith about his fitness to drive. Fiscal depute Callum Gordon told the court that when the cabbie attempted to call the police, Smith charged at him, knocking the phone from his hand.


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“The accused then pushed him against the vehicle door and repeatedly punched him to the head,”


Mr.


Gordon said. “He then put his arm around the cabbie’s neck and inserted a finger into his eye socket and applied pressure.” Following the assault,


Smith


returned to his vehicle and struck the taxi a second time before careering into several bollards and fleeing the scene. Police later intercepted Smith’s significantly damaged car. Officers noted he was “unsteady on his feet and smelling of alcohol.” The aggression continued during his arrest as Smith lashed out, attempted to headbutt officers,


and spat at one individual. The court heard that even while being processed at the custody suite, Smith remained combative, adopt- ing a “fighting stance” and launching into a volley of verbal abuse while charges were read. Defence solicitor David Sutherland stated: “A


five-day bender


culminated in this shocking incident,” Mr. Sutherland said, adding that Smith was now in a “better place” after spending time on remand away from drugs and alcohol. Sheriff Ian Wallace


sentenced


Smith to 30 months’ imprison- ment. In addition to the jail term, Smith has been banned from driving for 60 months and is required to pass an extended driving test before regaining his licence.


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