Posted on the 18th August 2025 in PHTM News

THUG JAILED AFTER VICIOUS ATTACK ON TAXI DRIVER IN WEDNESBURY OVER CRASH PHOTO

A man has been sentenced to 34 months in prison after a violent assault on a taxi driver who simply tried to take a photograph following a minor collision.

Kyle Henry, 32, punched Miah Muktar so hard he collapsed to the ground "like a sack of potatoes," leaving him with what the court called "permanent and it seems irreversible injuries."

The attack occurred on August 8, 2023, in Wednesbury, after a van clipped Mr. Muktar's taxi. When the van failed to stop, the taxi driver pulled in front of it to take a picture of its licence plate.

Henry, a passenger in the van, "took exception" and "marched" up to Mr. Muktar. He then struck the victim in the face with both hands, using "significant force."

A witness at the scene told Wolverhampton Crown Court, "I genuinely believed he was going to pass away," as Mr. Muktar lay on the ground "bubbling with blood."

The court heard how Henry showed "absolutely no concern for his welfare" and returned to the van after the assault.

Mr. Muktar was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with a fractured skull, a broken nose, a swollen left eye and a fractured ear drum. He "cannot remember anything" from the attack and his wife has become his full-time carer.

In a statement, his wife described the trauma, saying: "I remember the surgeon told me there was a chance he would not make it." She added: "My whole family's life has changed because of this."

During the sentencing on Tuesday, August 5, District Judge Grego described the assault as "unprovoked violence," stating Henry was "no stranger to the use of violence when you deem it relevant."

Henry, has 12 previous convictions for 17 offences, including three for common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, breach of suspended sentence and robbery. He pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

His defence claimed the attack was "impulsive," and that he "regrets his actions" and is "devastated" by the victim's injuries.

However, the judge dismissed this, saying it was not an instance of "self-defence that went too far." Henry was also ordered to pay a £184 victim surcharge.


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