A MAN who was working as a controller at a Kingswinford taxi firm when he punched a driver in the face for complaining he was giving jobs to his friends has been spared time behind bars.

Omar Shahed from Dudley lashed out at Fast Line Taxi’s but it was not until two-and-a-half years later that he was arrested by police as he prepared to board a plane to Lahore, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

Howard Searle, prosecuting, told the court Shahed became upset at the accusation he was not being fair when he handed out jobs and he left the driver needing minor surgery to repair his damaged nose.

Mr Searle added: “The man suffered minor injuries from which he made a full recovery but by the time a complaint was made to police the defendant could not be traced."

But he stressed there was no suggestion Shahed had been deliberately trying to keep out of the way of police before being picked up by officers at Manchester Airport.

Shahed, of North Street, Kates Hill, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and was given a 26-week suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay costs and compensation totalling £800.

Malcolm Fowler, defending, told the court Shahed was on his way to India on a family matter when he was detained by officers.

Mr Fowler added: "There is no suggestion whatsoever that he was trying to abscond."