Sentencing Anthony Walker in the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Monday, magistrate Michelle Hodgson said assaults on taxi drivers would not be tolerated by the courts, nor the community. 

“Your conduct on that evening was deplorable,” Ms Hodgson said. 

The magistrate said the offending was “very serious”, adding taxi drivers were a soft target because of their vulnerability when surrounded by often drunk and aggressive passengers. 

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Michelle Kilburn said Walker got into the taxi after being picked up from a Ballarat pub on March 28, about 6pm. 

Senior Constable Kilburn said Walker asked to be taken to the Eureka Flag, but became aggressive towards the driver after complaining he was being taken the wrong way. 

The court heard the driver pulled over in Little Bridge Street before Walker “forced himself” on the driver and hit him to the back of the head. 

A witness from a nearby restaurant was forced to run to the taxi and pull Walker off the driver. 

Walker pleaded guilty to unlawful assault. 

The court heard Walker was arrested by police at the scene due to an outstanding warrant and told them the altercation had started after the taxi driver tried to reach for his wallet. 

A lawyer for Walker said his client was disgusted by his offending, adding his guilty plea showed remorse. 

“He is remorseful and quite ashamed by the behaviour,” the lawyer said. 

The lawyer said Walker had significant alcohol issues and had been seeking help for his drinking. 

Ms Hodgson sentenced Walker to a 12-month community corrections order, including 50 hours of unpaid community work. 

He was ordered to seek treatment and assessment for alcohol abuse.