A MAN who punched a taxi driver and assaulted a police officer, causing him to break a bone his wrist, has narrowly avoided going to prison.

Luke Richards, aged 21, punched taxi driver Zafar Iqbal following a night out in Worcester on April 15.

Colin Heald, prosecuting, said Mr Iqbal was sitting in a colleague’s taxi in the Cornmarket just after 1am when a group of men approached the taxi wanting to go to Droitwich.

He said: “The group walked away, but the defendant started banging on the taxi.

"Mr Iqbal got out of the taxi and into his own taxi and the defendant kicked the driver’s side door.

"The victim then got out and the defendant punched him.”

Police were called and as the officer tried to handcuff Richards, he tried to break free and run away, stumbling as he did so, causing them both to fall over.

In mitigation, Ruth Edwards, said Richards had moved away from the area.

She said: “There are a number of issues going back to his childhood that need some resolution.

“He is ashamed of his behaviour on that night. He cannot put any excuses to you because he doesn’t remember.

“He has a lot going for him but there a lot of issues still to be addressed.”

Chairman of the bench John Taylor said: “This is your second assault conviction in 12 months, while on a community order and against people carrying out a public service while you were under the influence of alcohol.”

Richards, of High Street in Amblecote, Stourbridge, was sentenced to 16 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months.

He must also complete 12 months’ supervision, a three-month residency requirement, 120 hours of unpaid work and pay a total of £525 compensation and £85 costs.