A Sunderland man has been sentenced after attacking an Uber driver who asked him to leave the vehicle when his passenger appeared to be sick during a journey.
The incident
According to a report by Sunderland Echo, 36-year-old Scott Hamilton, of Dean Gardens in Houghton-le-Spring, launched the assault after the driver stopped the car and asked him and his female companion to get out.
The court heard that during the trip in May 2023, the woman began retching and showing signs she might vomit. Concerned about damage and cleaning costs, the Uber driver warned that he would have to end the journey if the sickness continued. When he pulled over and asked them to leave, Hamilton became violent — punching the driver several times, throwing an air freshener that struck him above the eye, and damaging both a rear-view mirror and window.
Driver left shaken and out of work
The driver later told police he had been left “shaken and frightened” by the attack and was unable to work for days afterwards. Repairs to the vehicle cost £135, and he lost an estimated £1,000 in income — including fares he would have earned during a concert weekend at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
Court outcome
At Newcastle Crown Court, Hamilton admitted assault and criminal damage. The judge, Recorder McDonald, handed him a 13-month prison sentence suspended for two years, along with 270 hours of unpaid work, £3,000 compensation, and £1,630 in court costs.
Recorder McDonald told the court: “He [the driver] is entitled to do his work without being assaulted.”
DM News Commentary
This case is another reminder of the growing risks faced by private hire and Uber drivers, particularly around passenger illness or disorder. Drivers often carry out late-night trips where alcohol is involved, and incidents like this can escalate quickly.
Private hire operators should ensure drivers know their rights to end a journey if they feel unsafe or if passengers pose a risk of damage. It’s also worth revisiting insurance cover for soiling or assault-related incidents — as even one altercation can lead to significant financial and emotional loss.
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