Three charged over assault on elderly Sikh taxi drivers in Wolverhampton

The assault that took place in August last year was caught on video and three men were immediately arrested by British Transport Police (BTP).  

Zackery Hall, 20, from Dudley, has been charged with Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), a racially aggravated public order offence, and three further public order offences. Nathan Edwards, 25, from Darlaston, has been charged with GBH, Actual Bodily Harm (ABH), two public order offences, criminal damage and resisting arrest. Leon Willetts, 18, from Rowley Regis, has been charged with GBH and resisting arrest.

They have been bailed to appear at Dudley Magistrates' Court on Thursday, March 5.

BTP Superintendent Sue Peters said: “We understand the concern this incident has caused to the victims and their families, as well as the local Sikh community and wider public. A thorough investigation has taken place, and three men have now been charged in connection.

“It's vital that the judicial process is allowed to continue without interference, and that nothing is said or published which could prejudice the ongoing court proceedings. We remain in close contact with the victims and continue to engage with the Sikh community and partner agencies.”

Officers were called to an assault at around 1.45pm on Friday, August 15 outside Wolverhampton railway station.

Three men were arrested at the scene, taken to custody for questioning, and later released on police bail while enquiries continued.

The victims, two Sikh men – one aged in his 60s and the other in his 70s – attended hospital for treatment and were discharged. They and their families have been informed of these charges.

Dabinderjit Singh OBE, Lead Executive at the Sikh Federation (UK) said: “We are pleased the three men have been charged and would like to thank British Transport Police for their investigation and local MPs for keeping up pressure.  

“Given the three men were arrested on the spot for the horrific attack, there was video evidence that went viral and the attack was witnesses there was huge frustration it has taken more than five months for the Crown Prosecution Service to be satisfied before laying charges.

“There was a clear racist element to the attack on the two elderly Sikh men and we note one of the three has been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.”