Taxi man hits passenger with stone over fare

A taxi operator who reportedly hit one of his passengers with a stone following an argument about the fare for a chartered ride, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Tuesday in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

It is reported that the complainant contacted the taxi operator, Kirk Daniels, to transport him to his desired location, but informed him that he had no monies to pay the fare.

Daniels allegedly stopped at an ATM and was handed $1,000 by the complainant for the fare, which should have been $600. However, the complainant contends that Daniels charged him an additional $200, resulting in an argument between the two. Daniels is accused of throwing a stone which hit the complainant in his head and chest.

When the matter was mentioned before Parish Judge Carlo Mason, the complainant opposed attending mediation to resolve the matter.

The matter is set to proceed to trial on October 17.

- T.T.