AN alcoholic who attacked a terrified taxi driver has kept his freedom.

Burnley magistrates heard how Anthony Hutchinson, 38, punched Faisal Mohammed repeatedly, putting him in fear for his life, as passengers screamed for him to stop. The defendant then threw a punch at the victim's boss when he turned up at the melee.

When Hutchinson was later questioned, he refused to give police a reason why he did it.

The defendant, of Alder Street, Rawtenstall, admitted common assault following the incident on June 22.

He was given a 12-month community order with supervision and the addressing substance related offending programme.

He must also observe a two-month 7pm to 7am curfew and pay £130 in compensation and costs.

Sophie Lorimer, prosecuting, said about 1.30am, the victim picked up the defendant's girlfriend and three of her friends to take them home.

The cab pulled up outside Hutchinson's house and the defendant marched over to the cab, opened the driver's door and launched a "totally unprovoked" attack on the victim, punching him a number of times.

Mrs Lorimer said the women were screaming for him to stop and he did and walked to his house with his partner.

Mr Mohammed was frightened and a couple of his colleagues arrived. A further scuffle followed.

Hutchinson was arrested, admitted what he had done, but said he did not know why.

David Lawson, defending, said Hutchinson, an alcoholic, accepted his actions were not justified.

The defendant expressed remorse and sorrow for what he had done.

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