Drunken reveller ordered to pay £1,412 after kicking taxi door

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Wednesday, March 9, how William Mallinson, 20, of Sheards Close, Dronfield Woodhouse, had taken a taxi ride from Sheffield but after he returned from his home with cash to pay a row broke out and he kicked the cab door.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam said: “The complainant is a taxi driver working in Sheffield and he collected the defendant about 1.30am, on August 22, last year, from a pub and took him home to Dronfield Woodhouse.

“The defendant didn’t have the money to pay the fare so he gave the taxi-driver his driving licence and went into his home and returned with cash and it was agreed he could pay £13 instead of £15.”

But Miss Haslam added that when the driver could not find the defendant’s driver’s licence Mallinson became aggressive and threatened to break the taxi-driver’s legs and he kicked the door and caused a large dent.

Mallinson told police he was very drunk and could not remember what had happened but when a the taxi-driver’s recording of the incident was played to him he accepted responsibility.

The defendant pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage.

Defence solicitor Rebecca Meadows said: “He accepts he was extremely drunk at the time and he had never been that drunk before.

“He doesn’t know how he got into this state and was fully co-operative with the police. His shock and disappointment in his behaviour is genuine.”

Ms Meadows explained that Mallinson’s father is willing to help pay for the repairs to the damaged taxi.

District Judge Andrew Davison told Mallinson: “I am extremely grateful to your father because he is prepared to put his hand in his pocket and pay for you.”

Mallinson was sentenced to a 12 month conditional discharge but was warned that if he re-offends he will be re-sentenced for this matter.

He was also ordered to pay £1,312 compensation, a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs.