A 30-year-old woman from North Tyneside has been found guilty of a racially aggravated assault on a taxi driver after a late-night row over a fare in Newcastle.
Paige Harvey was convicted after the court heard how she spat on the driver, pushed him, and hurled racist abuse during the incident on 27 May 2022.
Harvey and her mother had entered the taxi following a night out, but she disputed the £40 fare, insisting it should have been closer to £22. The disagreement escalated, with Harvey becoming “aggressive,” spitting on the driver, pushing him on the shoulder and calling him a “f***ing Chinese.”
When police arrived, they witnessed Harvey kick the driver and continue shouting racist language. An officer told the court she remained abusive even after being arrested.
The victim, a professional taxi driver since 2008, told magistrates:
“It was awful, I was scared. When people talk like this, it’s absolutely disgusting. I’ve dealt with situations before, but not someone spitting or being that aggressive.”
Harvey denied the charges and claimed she could not remember using racist language, but magistrates ruled that the victim’s and police officer’s testimony was “consistent and credible,” while Harvey’s account was not.
The court also heard Harvey has two previous convictions. She was granted unconditional bail and will be sentenced at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 3 October.
Source: Chronicles Live
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