Omari Thomas, 19, from Rowley Regis in the Black Country, was sentenced to three weeks in prison for racially aggravated assault after attacking an Uber driver who confronted him about drug use in the vehicle. The sentence, which will run consecutively to a seven-year term Thomas is already serving for a firearms offence, has been branded 'a joke' by members of the public.
What Happened on the Journey to McDonald's
On May 16, 2025, Thomas was a passenger in an Uber heading to a McDonald's in Cape Hill, Smethwick. During the journey, the driver observed Thomas allegedly sniffing a white substance while a female passenger inhaled nitrous oxide from a balloon. The driver told them: 'You can't do that in my car,' according to prosecutors at Birmingham Magistrates' Court.
The situation escalated when Thomas became aggressive, punching the back of the driver's seat. One punch slipped through and struck the back of the driver's head. Fearful for his safety, the driver turned the cab around to return to Rowley Regis. Thomas then shouted a racial slur at the driver, saying: 'You kidnapped me you curry b*****d.'
Court Proceedings and Sentence
Thomas, who is already a serving prisoner due to the firearms conviction, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault by beating. He admitted his words were 'unacceptable' and received credit for his guilty plea. The three-week sentence was imposed to run consecutively to his current seven-year term, meaning it will add minimal time to his overall incarceration.
The case has drawn strong reactions from readers. One commented: 'Three weeks for assault? Are you joking?' Another added: 'Only three weeks, what a joke!' However, some expressed satisfaction that justice was served, with one reader stating: 'I'm sure many private hire drivers face abuse, verbal and physical. I'm pleased to see justice was done in this instance; hope more such cases come to a satisfactory resolution.'
Debate Over Racially Aggravated Offences
The racial element of the attack also sparked debate. One reader posted: 'We need to drop ''racially aggravated'' offences. He either committed a crime or he didn't.' Another countered: 'Crime shouldn't be distinguished between racial and non-racial. At the end of the day it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, a crime is a crime. This however, was a racially aggravated attack because of the comments he made to the driver.'
The Crown Prosecution Service, which brought the charge, has guidelines for racially aggravated offences that can lead to enhanced sentences. In this case, the three-week term reflects the guilty plea and the fact that Thomas was already serving a substantial sentence. Critics argue that such a short additional term does not adequately deter future attacks on drivers.
