Swindon Cabbies Boycott Penhill

29 April 2010, 13:10 | Updated: 13 September 2017, 18:38

Swindon's black cabbies are boycotting the Penhill area until the attacker of a fellow taxi driver is caught.

Rawinder Sahota was left with bruises and swelling to his head, face and shoulder following the assault in the early hours of Sunday.

At approximately 2:30 am on Sunday 25th April 2010 Mr Rawinder arrived in Lacock Road, Penhill to drop off his three passengers, a man and two women.

The driver asked for his fare, and after one of the females paid he was met with a barrage of abuse from the man.

The driver got out of his vehicle and was seriously assaulted, the offender punched him to the head causing him to fall and then continued to punch and kick the victim as he lay on the ground. The three then ran off into Pewsham Road, Penhill.

The victim recalls seeing another taxi driver who pulled up nearby and a woman who came to his aid and assisted him until police arrived. The victim was taken to Great Western Hospital where he was treated for his injuries which included painful swelling and bruises to his head, face and shoulder.

The man was described as white, aged in his 20's with dark short shaved hair, of medium build and 5' 8" in height.

The first woman was described as white, 5' 2" tall, of medium build, with straight shoulder length brunette hair. She was wearing a white top with a black cardigan and a black skirt which was just above the knee. She had a local accent.

The second woman was white; also 5' 2" in height and of medium build. She had light coloured hair which was cut just above the shoulder and was wearing dark clothing.

Most of Swindon black cabbies have already agreed to boycott Penhill until the attacker is caught. Police say they're working with taxi drivers and the local community, and are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 08454 087000.