A racist teen who threatened and abused a taxi driver with the P-word received a community order at Derby Crown Court.
Derbyshire Live reported that 18-year-old Malakai Blackham, aged 17 at the time of the racist offence, had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.
The taxi driver kindly offered to take Blackham home for free days before Christmas last year – after receiving a request to collect him at 4:25 am on December 21.
The news report adds that Malakai Blackham, lacking sufficient funds for the journey, returned from his address to only subject the driver to vile racist abuse and threats.
Waving his fists at the driver, Blackham screamed, “F*** off, you P***” as the taxi driver called the police and attempted to leave, Blackham shouted more racist abuse – namely, go away, P***”.
In an impact statement to the court, the driver said: “I should be able to come to work without being racially abused.”
Blackham received a community order of an unspecified length, per Derbyshire Live, who revealed a previous harassment offence in 2021 that resulted in a youth rehabilitation order.
Tell MAMA continues to document the disproportionate impact racism has on those working in the nighttime economy, as they face hostility, threats, and sometimes violence.
In November 2020, we highlighted how a taxi driver in Derby faced abuse and asked if he intended to “behead” a female customer.
Across Derbyshire, we work with the police and PCC’s office through a unique scheme called “Safety, Security & Beyond”, which works to help individual drivers and taxi firms.
The issue of racism and violence towards taxi drivers made headlines last year and referenced our tailored support scheme.
We are proud to work in partnership with @DerbyComSafety, @DerbysPolice, and @DerbysPCC in offering confidential support to taxi drivers.
📞 101 to contact the police (non-emergency)
📞 0800 456 1226 (Tell MAMA)In an emergency always dial 999.#WeStandTogether#No2h8 pic.twitter.com/DZo16h1niR
— Tell MAMA UK (@TellMamaUK) March 4, 2021
Malakai Blackham must also complete 90 hours of unpaid work and pay £200 compensation to the taxi driver he subjected to racist abuse. He must comply with a curfew until January 24, 2023.
Are you a taxi driver or taxi firm interested in our support scheme? Please email info@tellmamauk.org to register your interest and for further information.