Private hire driver hit for refusing fare

Published on 26/12/2012 12:00

A PRIVATE hire driver was left with a broken bone in his face after he was punched for refusing to take a fare.

The victim was approached by a couple after dropping off a passenger close to the junction of St Andrew Square and George Street at around 2.45am on Saturday.

They got into the silver Skoda Octavia and asked to be taken to Cameron Toll, but an argument began after the driver explained he could only take pre-booked fares.

The male, described as white with a muscular build, and wearing a tight-fitted white t-shirt with a pink and green logo on the front, then punched the driver in the face.

The victim, who required hospital treatment, was still in the taxi when he was attacked by his assailant from outside the car.

The attacker then left the scene with the woman, who was white, and wearing an orange and black strapless dress.

Police have appealed for witnesses to what they described as a “serious assault” or anybody who recognises the description of the couple to come forward.