WARNING: Video contains offensive language

A taxi driver who suffered a terrifying ordeal when he was attacked by a thug has said his assailant should have been jailed.

Muhammed Naeem, 47, picked up Paul Knell, 28, of Rawthorpe in June last year for a routine trip to Dalton.

But his client turned aggressive following a row over payment and Knell who had been drinking heavily grabbed hold of Mr Naeem and began shouting and swearing all of which was recorded on a mobile phone.

Last Friday the bench at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court agreed that the offence “passed the custody threshold” but declined to jail him.

Instead he was given a 12 months’ community order with 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirement as a direct alternative to custody.

Paul Knell leaves Kirklees Magistrates' Court

In addition a 7pm-7am curfew for four weeks was imposed and the defendant was also ordered to pay £200 compensation for the damage to the car window and a £60 surcharge, all deductible from his benefits.

Mr Naeem, a father-of-four from Bradley, who has been a cabbie for eight years, said: “I would have liked to seen him jailed.

“I have suffered too much for what happened. I have to see a private psychologist to deal with what took place.

“It was not the right decision and I am not happy.”

Taxi driver Muhammed Naeem attacked by passenger Paul Knell. He recorded the ordeal on his mobile phone.

He said the amount of compensation was inadequate too.

Kirklees councillor Erin Hill, a member of Kirklees Council’s Regulatory Panel, said: “This was a horrible ordeal for Mr Naeem and I hope he is recovering fully.

“Nobody should have to face threats and violence of this nature at work.

Clr Erin Hill
Clr Erin Hill

“Taxi drivers provide a public service, and as a council we are 100 per cent committed to the safety of drivers and of passengers.

“It’s lucky that Mr Naeem was able to record this incident and perhaps measures to help other drivers do this are needed.

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“However, the main responsibility is with passengers not to commit acts of such violence.

“It is never necessary and never OK.

“I absolutely condemn this attack."