​A MAN who tried to "steal" a taxi became violent when the private hire driver said he was already booked.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Noor Fricker told the driver to look at him because he was going to hit him during a hearing on Tuesday, May 24.

Fricker then punched the driver in the face and also caused damage to a rear door of his Skoda Superb.

Fricker, 23, of Kingsbridge Wharf, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assaulting Shahid Butt, causing £200 worth of damage to his car and possession of cannabis.

He was ordered to do 60 hours unpaid work and pay £250 compensation, £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

Graeme Tindall, prosecuting, said Mr Butt was waiting for a pre-booked fare outside a Burnley nightclub at 6.50am.

Fricker got in the private hire vehicle and said he wanted to be taken to Blackburn.

"Mr Butt explained the situation and was then punched in the face," said Mr Tindall.

"He managed to get out of his taxi and when he looked back the defendant was kicking the vehicle."

Gareth Price, in mitigation, said his client, who had no previous convictions, had little recollection of the incident.

"He has expressed his remorse and if it was possible he would like to apologise to Mr Butt in person," said Mr Price.

"He accepts you will be concerned that the aggrieved was doing his job."