Man damaged taxi with cone after long running taxi dispute

Adrian Birch, who was the landlord of the Horn and Trumpet pub when he committed the crime, changed his plea to criminal damage on the day of his Worcester Crown Court trial. 

A judge blasted the 63-year-old, of Angel Street, Worcester, for his "parking rage" that he said took place in front of the general public.

William Dudley, prosecuting, said on September 8, 2019, the victim was working as a taxi driver and had parked on Angel Street as the designated spaces nearby were full. 

COURT: Adrian Birch outside Worcester Crown Court (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The prosecutor said: "He parked opposite the pub. 

"He became aware of someone hitting the driver-side window of the taxi. 

"The defendant swore at the victim. 

"[Birch] picked up a police traffic cone on the side of the road. He hit the rear door about three times.

"The victim, sensibly, did not engage and drove away."

The prosecutor added the victim had been driving the damaged taxi that had "distinct scratches and dents" on its side in the three years since the incident - having been advised not to get it repaired ahead of the trial.

Mohammed Latif, defending, explained Birch had acted out of frustration as taxis had been parking on double yellow lines for a period before the incident, and he had not liked the noise and fumes.

Mr Latif said Birch was a man of good character having no previous convictions and stressed there had been no further issues between the pair since 2019.

PARKING RAGE: Birch damaged a taxi parked outside the Horn and Trumpet pub (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

The court heard Birch was no longer the landlord of the pub and was now only working 20 hours a week, being described as a man of limited means.

Sentencing him for criminal damage, his Honour Judge Jonathan Salmon said the issue of taxis parking on double yellow lines was a long-standing issue and had been the cause of his explosive act. 

The judge said the defendant should have known it was not the right way to act. 

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"You were abusive towards him," the judge said. 

"You chose to take out your anger by causing damage to his motorcar."

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The judge said, although he recognised the victim had received bad advice and the cost of repairs had gone up since 2019, he was keen the victim be properly compensated. 

The judge fined Birch £125 and awarded compensation to the victim of £750. 

After reviewing Birch's finances Judge Salmon suggested Birch drop £55 pet insurance he was paying monthly, as it was a "luxury" - which would help him pay off the money owed.

• Birch had previously denied one count of racially aggravated criminal damage. 

Mr Dudley told the court after speaking to the victim, and in the public interest, the guilty plea to one count of criminal damage was acceptable to the crown. 

The prosecutor added the crown would not pursue the second count going to trial, adding it would lie on file.