A THUG who attacked a Melksham taxi driver in his cab has been handed a 70-hour community punishment order by magistrates.
Nicky Lyons, 20, of Queensway, Melksham, punched and threatened father-of-two Stephen Paul in his cab in a late-night assault.
The vicious attack on 39-year-old Mr Paul sparked calls for a blacklist of people who threaten or deceive taxi drivers.
The pioneering project would be based on the same principles operated by Melksham Pubwatch.
Violent or dishonest customers would have their address or names blacklisted leaving them unable to use any taxis in Melksham.
Magistrates sentenced Lyons for common assault at a hearing on Thursday.
In addition to the community punishment order he was ordered to pay £250 compensation to Mr Paul and £55 court costs.
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