Manprit Singh, 29, from Park Ridge charged for McDowall Melbourne Cup taxi driver crash

A Melbourne Cup punter was allegedly smashed by a disgruntled taxi driver in Brisbane’s north and the bizarre actions of the driver in the moments after the crash, may have disastrous consequences.

Manprit Singh was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm for hitting a man with his taxi. Pic - generic 13Cabs car

A drunk Melbourne Cup punter was allegedly smashed by a disgruntled taxi driver in Brisbane’s north after refusing to pay his fare.

The passenger was taken to hospital, requiring surgery and the driver faces jail time.

Manprit Singh was driving a man home from Eagle Street, Brisbane on the afternoon of this year’s Melbourne Cup in his job as a taxi driver.

The 29-year-old Park Ridge man agreed to take the passenger to his home in McDowall but required a small payment first.

The passenger was intoxicated and had been celebrating the Melbourne Cup in the city, he refused to pay the initial fare and was not wearing his seatbelt.

When Mr Singh arrived at the man’s McDowall home, he asked for the $50 fare but the passenger’s card declined.

He then offered to accept a smaller payment of only $23.

The passenger went to collect money from inside his home while Mr Singh held onto his mobile phone but an argument erupted and the man became abusive and aggressive.

The court heard that during the argument Mr Singh bolted to his taxi and sped away but the passenger was still holding onto his door, therefore allegedly scraping his body badly and smashing his head on the ground of Keano Road.

Mr Singh returned to the scene two minutes later to a crowd of neighbouring witnesses and gave back the man’s phone.

The alleged victim was taken to hospital and required surgery to his bladder while suffering other bruises and lacerations to his body.

Mr Singh applied for bail in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday, November 15, charged with one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm.

He was also charged with failing to remain at the scene and provide assistance and one count of stealing (mobile phone).

The court heard Mr Singh has worked for 13Cabs for over a year and also worked for Uber for three years before that.

Defence lawyer Nicholas Schoenmaker said his client had no criminal history and bail could be granted with strict conditions.

“Mr Singh’s passport has already been taken so he is not a flight risk and he is willing to report,” he said.

“These are serious allegations but he is also at risk of serving too much time in custody while the matter proceeds.”

Magistrate Gary Finger granted bail and listed the matter for a committal mention in Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 20.