Racists force cab driver to run for his life

Three racist thugs have been spared prison sentences, despite forcing an Asian taxi driver to abandon his car under a torrent of abuse.

Dominic Sykes (19), Brett Carroll (22), and Stanley Bootes (32), all from Oldham, called the Bangladeshi victim Abdul Habib “Paki” and attacked him, forcing him to pull over and run.

Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court heard the yobs had been drinking when they flagged down the taxi in High Street, Lees, at 9.15pm on June 6 last year.

They repeatedly addressed racist remarks to the driver and Dominic Sykes hit him in the head.

Stephen McNally prosecuting said: “Sykes started to punch him as he was still driving.

“He pulled into a lay-by. He said they threatened to kill him and told him to get out.”

The defendants were identified through CCTV cameras in Lees.

Sykes, of Kelverley Road, Carroll, of Warcock Road, and Bootes, of Hollins Road, pleaded guilty to racial or religious aggravated fear or provocation of violence.

Carrol was given an 18 month supervision and community order and Bootes and Sykes were given three-month prison sentences, suspended for 18 months and 60 hours community service.