Posted on the 27th July 2026 in PHTM News

NEW DAD BRANDED "SILLY BILLY" IN COURT AFTER NIGHT OUT ENDS IN TAXI DAMAGE

A new father ended up in court for criminal damage after a taxi fare dispute disrupted his first night out without his baby.

James Thomas, 30, from Swansea, had been attending a Christmas party at the NEC in Birmingham on December 21 with his partner while a babysitter looked after their ten-month-old child.

An argument broke out when the couple arrived at their hotel, the Crowne Plaza, and Thomas became angry after discovering he had to pay for the taxi himself rather than his employer covering the cost. Refusing to pay,

Thomas smashed the side window of the cab, leaving the driver unable to work during a busy period.

Prosecutor Ms. Begum told Birmingham Magistrates' Court that police officers attended the scene and spoke to both parties at the hotel room, where the defendant's girlfriend ultimately paid the outstanding fare.

Representing himself, Thomas pleaded guilty to criminal damage and admitted he "got a bit carried away" after consuming alcohol for the first time in months. He told the bench: "We have a ten-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."

Thomas, who already had 20 convictions for 37 previous offences, was ordered to pay a total of £694, which included a £292 fine, a £117 victim surcharge, £85 in prosecution costs, and £200 in compensation to the driver.

Addressing Thomas, the chair of the Magistrates remarked: "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."

The chair concluded the hearing by telling the couple: "We don't want to see you again, and you don't want to see us again. You can disappear back to Swansea now."


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