A “HIGHLY regarded” advocate who drunkenly attacked a taxi driver – leaving his victim fearful about returning to work – has been sentenced to 130 hours of community service.
The driver had multiple cuts and bruises to his face after being punched by 56-year-old lawyer David Samuel Steenson, the Magistrate’s Court heard.
Steenson admitted the charge of common assault and was “absolutely mortified” to find himself in court as a defendant, according to his defence.
The advocate was celebrating with colleagues after the conclusion of a trial on the evening of 13 November and took a taxi home. Film footage from a camera inside the cab showed the driver and Steenson talking amicably shortly before the incident.
However legal adviser Merry van Woodenberg, prosecuting, said that when they reached his home and the driver asked for payment, the atmosphere changed.
“Mr Steenson appeared to be confused about how to pay. The taxi driver waited for some five minutes. He then said he was going to take him to the police station.
“Mr Steenson started to grab at the steering wheel and the gear stick.”
The court was shown more footage in which Steenson punched the driver while shouting in a panicked voice: “Let me out of this car!”
The driver, who has diabetes and is on various medication, suffered “serious but not permanent injuries” and had to undergo a CT scan after the attack, which showed no lasting physical damage.
Ms van Woodenberg said: “He is now afraid to carry out his daily job. He is nervous about the passengers he carries. There has been emotional suffering.”
Advocate Paul Nicholls, defending, said Steenson suffered from acute claustrophobia after an experience while potholing many years ago left him very nervous in enclosed spaces.
And he said: “One wonders why the taxi driver didn’t just let him out.”
He added: “Mr Steenson is extremely highly regarded as an advocate. By his own admission he has seriously screwed up. He will now inevitably face sanction by Jersey Law Society.”
Advocate Nicholls accepted that the offence could carry a jail sentence, but argued for community service. He said Steenson had given up alcohol since that night and added: “We are dealing with a first offender and a man of impeccable character.”
The Magistrate, Bridget Shaw, praised Steenson’s letter of apology, and added: “With your years of experience of working in the Island you are held in the highest regard.
“I accept this was a panicked reaction.”
In addition to the community service, she ordered him to pay £2,420.
