Taxi drivers are being told they can expect to receive the fullest support from the Island's courts.

The assurance came from Deputy High Bailiff Alistair Montgomerie, as he handed down a 60 day prison sentence to a 49 year old man who was abusive and threatening to a cabbie.

Brian McNabb, of Sulby Bridge had admitted charges of affray and damaging a taxi at an earlier court.

Mr Montgomerie heard the trouble started when McNabb was asked for the fare from Sulby to Kirk Michael, where he lived at the time.

A letter from the taxi driver, read out in court, confirmed McNabb had paid for the damage, which amounted to well over ?500, and given a full apology, which had been accepted.

(Picture: Douglas Courthouse, where McNabb was sentenced).