Teenager Sentenced After Attacking Taxi Driver

A teenager has been given a suspended jail term for his part in a savage attack on a taxi driver in Kibworth, that left him with a smashed eye-socket, jaw and cheekbone.

Joe Connors, 19, and a second man, who has not been traced, attacked the male driver outside the Railway Arms late on August 11^th last year ,after they left the cab without paying the fare of less than £20.

Connors, of Diary Way, Kibworth, was handed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, by a judge at Leicester Crown Court today after being convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent.

He was also made subject of a nighttime curfew for three months, not being allowed out between 9pm and 6am, and ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

Police say the attack had a dramatic effect on the driver, who needed reconstructive surgery, including having a metal plate inserted into his face, and who continues to be in pain.

Detective Constable Rob Pountney, the investigating officer, said: “The victim sustained some significant facial injuries later undergoing reconstructive surgery and having a metal place placed into his face. He continues to this day to be in pain from the injuries he sustained.

“Connors chose to assault the victim and inflict some nasty injuries all for the sake of a taxi fare of less than £20.”