Taxi driver assaulted by a drunken passenger, resulting in severe injuries
By Emma Parker
A horrifying incident unfolded in Abergavenny on February 27, 2021, where a taxi driver, Erol Aglamaz, was brutally attacked by a passenger wielding a wine bottle. The assailant in this shocking event was identified as Anthony Griffiths, aged 49, who, unfortunately, did not stop at just assaulting the taxi driver.
The distressing ordeal began just five minutes into the taxi journey after an argument erupted between Griffiths and his partner. When Aglamaz attempted to intervene by requesting the destination address confirmation, Griffiths’ aggression intensified. Subsequently, in a fit of rage, Griffiths struck Aglamaz with a glass wine bottle, causing immediate injuries.
Following the vicious attack, Griffiths proceeded to vandalize the interior and exterior of the taxi, prompting a call to the authorities. When a police officer arrived at the scene, Griffiths’ behaviour escalated further, leading to a physical confrontation where the officer was strangled and overpowered by the assailant’s relentless assault.
Despite attempts to subdue Griffiths using tasers and chemical sprays, his destructive rampage continued even inside the police van after his eventual arrest. The extent of the damage caused by Griffiths led to the need for a replacement police van to transport him into custody, highlighting the severity of the situation.
In the aftermath of the incident, both Aglamaz and the assaulted police officer required medical attention for their injuries. Aglamaz, in particular, suffered a broken nose, swelling, bruising, and other severe facial trauma, necessitating surgery to correct.
During the court proceedings, Griffiths admitted to several charges, including assault causing actual bodily harm, assaulting an emergency worker, and criminal damage. Despite a previous clean record, the court did not downplay the severity of Griffiths’ actions, describing them as cruel and cowardly.
In his defence, Griffiths cited paranoia regarding the taxi driver’s intentions and exhibited a disturbing lack of remorse for his violent outburst. However, the court deemed his excuses inadequate in justifying the harm he inflicted on the victims and the subsequent damage wrought on the police property.
Upon sentencing, Recorder Dyfed Thomas handed Griffiths a 12-month suspended imprisonment term along with 120 hours of community service. The judge’s stern remarks emphasized the seriousness of the offences committed by Griffiths, urging him to reflect on his actions and the significant impact they had on the victims.
The harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those in service roles and underscores the importance of swift justice and accountability for such violent acts in society. As the victims continue to recover from the physical and emotional trauma inflicted by Griffiths, this case stands as a testament to the vigilance required to ensure the safety and security of individuals in their daily lives.