Racist attacked taxi driver over £1 increase in his fare

Man, 51, avoids prison by 'a hair's breadth'

- Sentinel Reporter

RACIST thug Robert Barone battered a taxi driver in a row over the £8.60 fare.

The 51-year-old dad shouted a racial slur at the cabbie, spat at him through the car window and then punched him before going inside his Bucknall home.

He returned with a wallpaper scraper and repeatedly hit the driver and his car, which resulted in him needing stitches at hospital.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard the journey to Guy Street on June 5 2023 had been smooth but Barone turned violent when the victim charged him £1 more than then he normally paid.

David Isles, prosecuting, said: "It was a pre-booked journey which was uneventful but when they arrived he was told it cost £8.60 and the defendant became aggravated and he said it is normally £7.

"He exited the vehicle, spat at him through the window, hit him in the face and called him a ****.