A taxi driver who uses a prosthetic arm lost his job, marriage and home after he came under violent attack from two passengers and his hand was stamped on.

The cabbie had been driving Drew Davidson and other man in Sunderland when they asked to add another stop but were told it would have to be done through an app.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the taxi driver, who was born with one arm, was then verbally abused about his disability and brutally attacked.

The violence included the victim's one hand being stamped on and injuries that may never heal.

After the attack, the victim, who was also bruised and grazed, initially stopped working nights but then lost so much money that his cab was repossessed, his marriage broke down and he was left homeless.

He said in an impact statement: “At the time of the incident I genuinely feared for my life and it has changed my view of the world.”

The victim said in the 23 months after the attack he lost around £116,000 in earnings, his taxi was repossessed and his marriage broke down.

He said his hand causes him pain “24/7”, he feels “almost useless” to any future employer and added: “I was born without one arm and managed to make a decent life for myself until the attack on me.

“No-one could imagine the impact this attack has had on me. I am still trying to come to terms with the fall-out.”

Prosecutor Jake Bowman told the court the attack happened on July 14, 2024, after the driver explained that any changes to the route had to be done through the booking app.

Davidson and the other passenger became aggressive, called the cabbie “useless” and their behaviour made him stop the car and get out.

The two passengers followed him out of the cab and Mr Bowman said: “The defendant then mocked his prosthetic arm.”

Mr Bowman said there was then a “scuffle” and added: “During that the defendant punched the complainant to the left side of the head, causing him to stumble and the second male kicked his legs from under him, causing him to fall to the ground.

“Both the defendant and the second male continued to assault him while he was on the floor. He was kicked and stamped on.

“The defendant accepts he stamped on the complainant's left hand.

“The second male stamped on and kicked the complainant to the head, his head repeatedly bounced off the pavement.

“The complainant said he feared for his life in that moment and honestly believed they were not going to stop. He curled himself in a ball to protect himself.”

Davidson, 26, of Aberdare Road, Sunderland, admitted assault.

Jordan Parkinson, defending, handed in character references and said Davidson has been in no further trouble and is in employment.

Miss Parkinson said alcohol drinking alcohol on social occasions during the Euro finals was the reason Davidson acted “completely out of character”.

Recorder Andrew Haslam said Davidson should be “ashamed” and added: “The physical injuries pale into insignificance next to his comments about the affect this assault has had upon him.”

Davidson was sentenced to 27 months, which were suspended for three years, with 250 hours unpaid work, supervision, £550 costs and £1,000 compensation.