'He thought it was a taxi': Blackpool man punched innocent motorist after ordering him to take him home after drinking 12 pints of Stella Artois

A man downed 12 pints of Stella Artois – before climbing in the back of a car wrongly thinking it was a taxi.
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Darren Thompson then went berserk when the bewildered driver refused to take him home, Blackpool Magistrates’ Court was told.

He aimed punches at the bloke – and his female passenger – and yelled homophobic slurs, the court was told.

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Thompson, 54, of Marsden Road, South Shore, admitted two assaults and using threatening behaviour.

Blackpool Magistrates' CourtBlackpool Magistrates' Court
Blackpool Magistrates' Court

Sentencing him, District Judge Jane Goodwin said: “You were violent and abusive. You say you are deeply ashamed – you should be.

“You behaved in an appalling manner, manhandling two innocent people during a pandemic.”

Thompson was handed a 16-week jail sentence, suspended for two years.

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He was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation days and pay each of his victims £200 compensation.

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