Carla Williams sentenced for Lismore taxi assault

A Lismore woman who told a taxi driver she was “going to smash this motherf***er” after he asked for an upfront fee has learnt her fate.

A young Northern Rivers resident who told a taxi driver she was “going to smash this motherf***er” after he asked for an upfront fee has been reprimanded by a Lismore court.

Carla Williams, 23, was sentenced in Lismore Local Court on Monday for two counts of common assault and destroying property.

According to court facts, Williams asked to be picked up from a Rous Rd address in the early morning of October 24.

When her taxi driver arrived, he asked for a $20 upfront fee – something which Magistrate Jeff Linden said “sent this defendant off”.

An agitated Williams smashed down on the taxi’s centre console with a whisky bottle she was holding and began abusing the driver, according to court facts.

At this stage, the driver called triple-0 while Williams continued to smash things inside the taxi and grabbing the licence from the front of the car.

The court heard she caused damage that would cost about $740 to repair.

Things took a turn for the worse when Williams left the taxi and threw a glass of whisky into the driver’s face and began punching him in the shoulder.

Williams was heard yelling “I’m going to smash this motherf***er” as witnesses began to surround the scene, according to court facts.

Police who chatted to Williams said she was clearly upset the driver requested an upfront payment.

Williams continued to throw punches until police arrested her.

Solicitor Tess McLinden said it was an “unprovoked” attack which was highly out of character for Williams.

She said Williams was a valued member of the Indigenous community and had held roles with the Aboriginal Land Council.

“She is contributing and productive member of the community,” Ms McLinden said.

Mr Linden said taxi drivers were there to serve the community as he castigated Williams.

“There is no need for them to put up with this,” he said.

He convicted Williams and sentenced her to an 18-month conditional release order.

Williams was also ordered to pay $740 in compensation.