VIOLENT DRUNK GIVEN 80 WEEKS IN JAIL FOR TERRIFYING RACIAL ATTACK ON DURHAM CABBIE

A drunk passenger who subjected a Durham taxi driver to a violent, racially fuelled assault has been ordered to serve 80 weeks behind bars.

Jonathan Olley, 38, lashed out at the driver during a trip from the city centre to West Cornforth after the cabbie struggled to locate the specific drop-off address.

The court heard that Olley was so heavily intoxicated at the start of the journey that the driver insisted on a £20 upfront payment.

As the trip progressed, Olley’s behaviour turned aggressive. He snatched the driver’s phone and launched a physical assault, punching the man repeatedly in the head and face, which knocked off his glasses.

During the struggle, Olley reportedly threatened to kill the driver and his family if he was not taken to his destination.

The victim was left with facial injuries and was described as being "trapped" in his own vehicle during the ordeal.

While Olley’s defence argued that he was an alcoholic with no memory of the incident and felt "ashamed" of his actions, the judge emphasised the vulnerability of the driver, who was forced to continue the journey in a lonely area with no help nearby.

Olley, of Gateshead, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault causing actual bodily harm.

Because the attack occurred while he was already serving a suspended sentence, the judge handed down a total of 80 weeks in prison for the assault and the breach of his previous court order.

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