Yob smashed woman's car window after throwing coins at vehicle he mistakenly thought was taxi

Taranjit Mandair’s actions in Whitburn Road, Whitburn, on the evening of Monday, January 6, has left his victim afraid to drive at night – and out of pocket.

South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court was told Mandair, 31, of Eastfields, Whitburn, stood in the middle of the road and walked to within three feet of the black Mini Cooper as it moved towards him.

As it passed, the dad-of-two reached into his pocket and grabbed loose change, tossing it at the vehicle and shattering the rear driver’s side window.

Prosecutor Keith Laidlaw said the force of the strike sent broken glass flying into the car’s footwell, with the woman driving off when she saw Mandair start to again approach.

He said she drove away to safe distance to call police and her father, who arrived at the scene first and stayed with Mandair until officers came.

Mr Laidlaw added: “She had been in the vehicle alone driving along Whitburn Road and her attention was drawn to male in the road.

“She slowed because she was unsure what he was going to do. He threw an item towards the car, shattering the back window. The glass shattered.”

Mr Laidlaw said she drove as far as the Fat Buddha at Seaburn, where she pulled over and made the emergency calls.

The woman and defendant were not known to each other.

Tracey Wood, defending, said Mandair, who pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to property valued under £5,000, had phoned for a taxi and believed the woman was driving that vehicle.

She added: “This has been a reckless act.

“He stepped out into the road. He thought that it was a taxi. He has thrown coins out of his pockets. He is genuinely remorseful.

“He was drinking that night and hadn’t had a drink for over a year. I hope it’s an isolated incident that doesn’t happen again. It was totally uncalled for.”

The case was and Mandair will be sentenced on Friday, February 28.