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Tonbridge thug punched man in Tunbridge Wells' McDonald's and threatened to kill taxi driver

05:00, 05 November 2022

updated: 11:43, 05 November 2022

A thug knocked a man unconscious and threatened to kill a taxi driver, a court has heard.

Bobby Thorpe punched a customer in Tunbridge Wells' McDonald's after the victim got into a row with his brother.

Bobby Thorpe punched a man and racially abused a taxi driver
Bobby Thorpe punched a man and racially abused a taxi driver

As the 29-year-old's sibling and the man squared up, Thorpe punched the customer, causing him to fall and hit his head.

The thug also racially abused a taxi driver in the same town when he got into the back of his cab – calling him names, like p***.

He threatened to slash his face and kill him.

Thorpe, of Tonbridge, was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and racially aggravated common assault after being arrested on October 29 when police were called to his partner's address after a row broke out.

When officers arrived, Thorpe had damaged a garden gate and was found with drugs on him.

He was then charged with criminal damage and possession of cannabis.

Thorpe punched a man unconscious in McDonald's in Tunbridge Wells. Stock picture
Thorpe punched a man unconscious in McDonald's in Tunbridge Wells. Stock picture

He admitted all four offences when he appeared before Medway magistrates on Monday. October 31.

Prosecutor James Nichols told the court the McDonald's incident happened in September last year, while the taxi driver was targeted in January.

Mr Nichols said: "He punched the man on the left side of the face and he hit his head on the way down and was knocked unconscious.

"He called the taxi driver p*** multiple times and threatened to slash his face and said he would kill him.

"There was a perspex screen between them but the taxi driver was put in fear of violence."

"He punched the man on the left side of the face and he hit his head"

The court heard Thorpe had mental health issues and admitted saying things he shouldn't have to the driver.

Magistrates decided to adjourn sentencing and ordered a pre-sentencing report be carried out.

He was granted bail until then but placed on a tagged curfew until he is sentenced.

He will be sentenced at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on November 21.

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