Passenger charged with bashing Dampier taxi driver

A 33-year-old man has been charged after allegedly punching, kicking and dragging a taxi driver, causing him extensive injuries in the State’s North West.

The 53-year-old male taxi driver picked up a man at around 12.45am and drove to an address in Dampier on October 29.

Police believe there was an altercation between the two men over the fare owed and it is alleged the passenger punched the taxi driver in the head through the open window of the taxi.

It is alleged the man then opened the door and dragged the driver out of the taxi and on to the ground before kicking him several times.

The taxi driver suffered torn shoulder muscles, two broken ribs and bruising and swelling to his head.

The man will appear in Karratha Magistrates Court on Wednesday November 15