Cabbie wants to go back to work after attack (From Swindon Advertiser)

Cabbie wants to go back to work after attack

7:43pm Sunday 28th October 2007 in

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A MINICAB driver says he blames underage drinking for a savage attack in which he feared for his life.

Mark Boditch was kicked in the head and left for dead on a roadside in Market Place, Lechlade, at 12.45am on October 20.

He said he had previously refused to take six Swindon youths back to the town in his car, as it could only seat four passengers.

The 33-year-old, who works for the private car firm V-Cars, was left with serious head and facial injuries after being dragged from his car. He was taken to Cheltenham General Hospital and was discharged on Wednesday.

"I was terrified by the whole situation," he said. "I became unconscious soon after being dragged from the car and kicked in the head. I really thought I was going to die."

Mark believes alcohol played a significant part in the attack.

"Something must be done about underage drinking - it looks like it's getting out of control," he said.

Mark went for a check-up at the Cheltenham hospital on Friday and will return again in four weeks as a precaution.

Bravely he intends to go back to work for V-Cars and hopes to start at the beginning of December.

"I'm not afraid to go back as I think this was a one-off incident," he added.

His stepdad Bob Mercer, with whom Mark has been staying in Walcot, also works for V-Cars. The 61-year-old has been driving cabs for more than 30 years and has praised Mark for wanting to return to driving so soon. "I'm very proud he has decided this," he said.

"He was left badly bruised and is lucky to be alive. Mark is one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet and would not hesitate to help anyone out.

"He did not have an operation and there were no fractures but he was in a bad way.

"This could happen again if underage drinking is not sorted out. If not I'm sure a lot of drivers will end up not wanting to work at night.'' After the assault, the grey Ford Mondeo was stolen and was later found crashed on the Highworth to Swindon road, near Supermarine Football Club.

A collection has been made for Mark by V-Cars, United and SN1 car firm drivers, and so far £300 has been raised.

The Mondeo was a write-off as £8,000 of damage was caused.

Although he was insured, Mark will be out of work until he gets another car.

Six people from Swindon have been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

They include a 14-year-old boy and two girls, aged 16 and 18, two 17-year-old males and an 18-year-old. The teenagers have been bailed pending further inquiries and will be called back to Stroud police station on October 26.

A decision to charge them will then be made by Gloucestershire police.

Anyone with any information should call on 0845 090 1234, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.