A MAN has been who punched a taxi driver in the face after being refused service has been fined heavily.

On February 3, PC Hammond was patrolling Salisbury city centre when he was notified by door staff that Robert Marriner, 34, of Prestbury Drive, Warminster, was "drunk and acting "aggressively.

PC Hammond spoke to Marriner and told him to go home.

Marriner was seen getting into a taxi, but he was refused service by the taxi driver and asked to leave after becoming abusive.

Marriner then assaulted the taxi driver by punching him in the face. The taxi driver suffered no injuries.

He was swiftly arrested and put into the back of the police van where he proceeded to spit inside.

At a hearing this month, Marriner pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage and was fined a total of £1,234.

He was also required to pay a victim surcharge of £492, court costs of £85 and £100 compensation each to the taxi driver and Wiltshire Police.

PC Hammond said: “When people come to Salisbury for a night out, any violence will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly."