A man attacked a taxi driver and his vehicle because he felt the driver hadn’t waited for him for long enough.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Qulzam Ahmed used a baseball bat to smash all the taxi windows after blocking it into a cul-de-sac, Laburnum Road, on February 4, 2023.

He also hit the driver on the arm with the weapon, the court was told.

Ahmed, 33, of Stone Hill Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Fiaz Mohammed, causing £2,000 worth of damage to his Toyota Prius, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months by a district judge.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 120 hours unpaid work.

Ahmed was also ordered to pay compensation of £200 for the injuries, £800 for lost earnings and £200 for the damage.

Rachel Evans, prosecuting, said Mr Mohammed had gone to pick up a fare and drove off when no one turned up.

“As he drove away a black car pulled up next to him and the driver, the defendant, started to swear at him,” said Miss Evans.

“He was frightened and drove off but ended up in a cul-de-sac where the defendant blocked him in.”

Miss Evans said Ahmed got out of his vehicle with a baseball bat and used it to smash the taxi windows.

Deputy District Judge Andrew Garthwaite told Ahmed his behaviour on the night had been “absolutely  disgraceful.”

“Your stupid response to a taxi problem is going to cost you a lot more than the taxi fare,” said Deputy District Judge Garthwaite.

“I am giving you this chance because I see in you someone who can learn a lesson and get on with life.”