Man jailed over three years after slashing Liverpool taxi driver’s face with smashed wine bottle
A 38-year-old man has been jailed for a brutal assault on a taxi driver, which left the victim with lasting facial scars. The attack, involving a smashed wine bottle, occurred at Liverpool Lime Street station in August last year.
Craig Davies admitted to wounding with intent and received a 40-month prison sentence from Liverpool Crown Court. The incident unfolded early in the morning when a visibly intoxicated Davies, carrying a wine bottle and smoking a cigarette, attempted to hire a taxi. After the driver declined the fare due to Davies' condition, the situation quickly escalated.
The refusal led to a violent reaction from Davies, who attempted to enter the taxi and, finding it locked, began to headbutt the window. When the 62-year-old driver exited the cab, due to being concerned that Davies would break the window, Davies broke the bottle on a nearby bollard and slashed the driver's face.
The taxi driver, who was severely injured, identified Davies shortly after the assault. British Transport Police promptly arrested Davies on charges of assault.
Investigating officer DC Juliet Thomas said: “This was a horrifying attack on a man who was simply earning a living and attempting to protect his property. The victim has been left traumatised by what happened and feels nervous going about his everyday job, this in addition to the permanent facial scarring which Davies inflicted in his alcohol fuelled rage.
“Being intoxicated and claiming to thus have little memory of such a vicious attack is no defence as is clearly demonstrated by the sentence handed down by the courts.”
