THE matter involving a taxi driver Palwinder SIngh, who assaulted a paying customer has been adjourned for one week so the man’s defence solicitor can look up authorities for sentencing.
The 23-year-old man, Palwinder Singh, pleaded guilty in the Mackay Magistrates Court today to one count of common assault after he inappropriately touched a female passenger when he was driving her home.
Magistrate Damien Dwyer said this was more serious than a “simple hug” because of Singh’s position as a taxi driver at the time of the incident. Just as police, ambulance officers and taxi drivers needed to be protected from the public, so too did the public need to be protected, Mr Dwyer said.
“I take this a little more seriously than a straight common assault,” Mr Dwyer said.
“Late at night … (in a) lonely place … and (he) assaults a passenger.”
Ms Krieg said Singh had lived in Australia for four years, while his family resided in his home country.
There had already been consequences for his actions. Singh had his licence as a taxi driver suspended shortly after the incident, Ms Krieg said. His decision to hug the woman had affected him emotionally since the incident and he was disappointed with himself.
The incident occurred just after midnight on May 25 this year. The man’s taxi driving licence was suspended shortly after the incident.
The victim woman said that she was shocked when Mr Singh hugged her without permission and ran his hands over her body after dropping her at home late at night.
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Source: Daily Mercury