Telford man attacked taxi with axe in feud between families
A man attacked a taxi with an axe over a long-running feud between two Telford families, a court heard.
Mikial Zaman, of Village Drive, Lawley Village, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon and dangerous driving.
The 20-year-old attacked Mohammad Khan's taxi with an axe on May 20, 2017, and intentionally reversed his car at speed to hit Mr Khan's.
At his sentencing at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Judge Peter Barrie handed Zaman a nine-month sentence, suspended for two years.
The attack was caught on camera by CCTV in the area.
Steven Bailey, prosecuting, said: "Mr Khan pulled up in his taxi to get food, but before he had a chance Mr Zaman pulled up alongside him in his silver Ford and went through the window with a hand axe. He struck the rear of the taxi a number of times with the axe.
"Mr Khan got out of the taxi with what is thought to be a steering lock. We can see Mr Khan running with something in his hand towards Mr Zaman's car, gesticulating towards with him the steering lock.
"Next thing we can see happening is Mr Zaman driving his Ford car forwards at speed and driving it into the taxi. It lifted it off the ground and shunted it sideways."
Zaman then climbed through the window because the door to his car was so badly damaged and ran away, pursued by Mr Khan.
He was arrested later that day.
Resolved
Rag Chan, defending, said the feud between the two families had now been resolved and said Zaman was of 'impeccable' character.
He added: "There is no doubt this occurred as a result of tensions between the two families. I'm happy to say these tensions have now effectively disappeared and there's been a resolution.
"This is a young man who has a real future. I'm asking your honour to take a leap of faith. I'm as confident as I can be that you will not find him in front of court again."
Judge Barrie said he was minded to hand Zaman an immediate custodial sentence, but decided to suspend it because of good character reports.
"I was appalled by this serious violence that broke out in the context of a family feud," he said.
"But I recognise this was out of character for you. I am also pleased to hear you have a job and good prospects."
Zaman was also suspended from driving for two years and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
