Taxi Driver Blinded After Attack

A taxi driver left blinded in one eye after an attack in Houghton On The Hill on Christmas Day is appealing for people who saw what happened to speak to Police.

Sujan Pal, 39, who has been forced to leave his job after being a cabbie for 12 years, was punched in the face outside the Rose and Crown pub on Uppingham Road, after refusing a man access to his vehicle.

It caused serious damage to his left eye socket.

Sujan Pal

Mr Pal says a number of people were in the area at the time – just after 1am – and witnessed what happened.

He told Hfm: “All I want is to see out of my eye again. I am very worried about what the future holds. I need my vision to work and support my family. I have been a taxi driver for 12 years in Leicester, London and Vienna, this is the first time anything like this has ever happened to me.

“I know that people saw what happened to me and I would ask that they please co-operate with the police and do the right thing so that this does not happen to anyone else.”

DC Mike Archer, who is investigating the incident, said: “This was a very nasty and unprovoked attack on a man who was out working during the busy Christmas period.

“A single punch to the face has left Sujan with life changing injuries and he is now unable to work and provide for his family.

“We are aware that there were people around that night and specifically information has been received about the incident from some witnesses who for whatever reason are reluctant to provide written statements.

The scene of the attack

“We would like to reassure anyone who witnessed the incident that the information they provide will be treated in the strictest confidence and the details they can provide could help us secure a successful prosecution for this callous assault.

“If you are one of these people please get in touch. Any information you have, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could help us with our enquiries. If you do not want to speak to police you can also pass on information to Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Police arrested a 21 year old man at the time on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm – he remains under investigation.