Taxi driver bashed over fare

A TAXI driver was attacked by a 19-year-old man who approached his taxi on Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford at about 5am last Friday.

An argument started between the man and the 44-year-old male taxi driver over fare payment. The teenager, who was drunk, grabbed the taxi driver by the front of his shirt and tore it. He then attempted to strike the driver who put his hands up to defend himself. The attacker then bit the taxi driver’s hand, cutting it and making it swell.

He then got out of the taxi and proceeded to kick the passenger and drivers side doors, denting the panels. The driver notified his radio operator and police were dispatched to the scene.

The 19-year-old Concord man was found on Pennant Hills Road near Marsden Road and was abusive towards police when spoken to. He was issued with a court attendance notice to appear at Ryde Local Court on January 11 for assault, malicious damage and offensive language.

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ON RETURNING home to his Burrawang Street, Cherrybrook home after a party on Saturday night at about 1am, a 21-year-old man got involved in an argument with his 18-year-old brother.

The younger brother, on crutches due to an ankle injury, was pushed in the chest and punched to the head about six times. He received a number of lacerations to the inside of his mouth and a cut to his lip.

The older man was later arrested and taken to Hornsby Police Station and charged with assault. A telephone interim apprehended violence order was granted to protect the victim. The 21-year-old was granted conditional bail and will appear at Hornsby Local Court on December 13.

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POLICE ARE seeking help from witnesses after a 34-year-old man was robbed of cash and a mobile phone at about 7.10pm on last Friday at West Ryde. The victim was walking near the intersection of Anzac Ave and Herbert St when he was approached by eight men, aged 18-20. He was robbed of his property and the offenders ran towards Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.

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A LARGE group of men, described as being Middle-Eastern and all roughly 18 years of age, were drinking in Wilga Park, Macquarie Park, last Friday night at about 10.40pm.

They then approached two separate groups of victims who were also in the park. The group began punching and kicking the victims and stole their personal property, including mobile phones and wallets.

One of the victims had a bottle smashed across the back of his head causing a deep gash, which required suturing. Five victims were taken to Ryde Hospital to be treated for a variety of injuries including cuts, swelling and bruising to the face.
Anyone with information is asked to phone 9858 5944 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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TWO RAM raids are being investigated where offenders targeted ATMs. The first offence occurred at about 3am on November 21 at West Ryde Marketplace (see report page 16). The second offence took place at about 4am last Friday when a Ford Maverick drove through the front doors of the North Ryde Golf Club and the raiders attempted to steal an ATM.

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INVESTIGATIONS ARE continuing into an armed robbery at Ryde’s Royal Hotel at 12.15am last Thursday. Three men wearing balaclavas and armed with a knife and firearm forced entry to the hotel.

They threatened staff at the hotel and stole a quantity of cash. If anyone has information relating to these offences phone 98799699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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A NUMBER of fires, which have been deliberately lit in the Ryde and North Ryde areas. Objects such as garbage bins, trees and bushland have been deliberately lit in the past weeks.

Police are appealing for any person with information about those responsible for lighting the fires to contact them.

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