A father and son whose new taxi business was disrupted after an assault have been backed by Pembrokeshire County Council in calling for respect for their profession.

Darren Mason, aged 24, was forced to take six weeks off work at the start of the summer when he suffered a broken bone in his hand and facial bruising when he was attacked by a customer.

He and his father, Norman, had only taken over Narberth Taxis two months before the incident occurred.

Darren had driven Anthony Gammer back to his home in  Sycamore Woods, Pennar, Pembroke Dock when he was assaulted.

Mr Gammer admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was given a 12-month community order with 40 hours unpaid work, and ordered to pay £1,875 compensation.

The court's decision was welcomed by Pembrokeshire County Council's pollution control and licensing manager, Gareth Watts.

"Taxi drivers provide an excellent service for the people of Pembrokeshire, often under difficult conditions, and they need the full support of the public at all times," he said. "The decision of the court should send a strong message that assaults on these key workers will not be tolerated."

Darren, of Spring Gardens, Whitland, told the Western Telegraph: "I was unable to drive for six weeks because my hand was in plaster and this resulted in a lot of stress and worry as it was at the start of the summer season, which, of course, is our busiest period."

Added his father: "As Darren was unable to work for those six weeks, additional strain was put on our new business venture, and it meant we had to employ additional drivers to cover many of our airport transfer bookings, as well as they everyday taxi and minibus service we provide.

"I believe that taxi drivers offer a valuable service to the public, and the courts have to protect us from unprovoked attacks."