A BRISBANE cabbie is recovering in hospital after a shocking attack in the city early this morning.

Police have alleged a man who was damaging property as he walked along George Street, got into the cab opposite Treasury Casino and hit the driver in the head a number of times.

The cabbie fell out of his taxi and fellow cab drivers and passers by came to his aid, restraining the alleged offender until police arrived.

A man will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court this morning, charged with assault and other offences.

The driver has a broken nose and facial injuries, and is undergoing tests in the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, for a suspected fractured skull.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22561665-3102,00.html

The Crown revealed on Wednesday that a defence witness in a case against a former taxi driver accused of raping a passenger had a conviction for fabricating evidence.

Abdirazak Mussa, 55, is facing three charges arising from an alleged incident in Wellington last year.

Frances Kinraid, a character witness for Mr Mussa, told the Court she had met him in her role as a community worker liaising with refugee families.

But in cross-examination she admitted that 10 years ago she had been prosecuted for fabricating evidence before a Tenancy Tribunal hearing. 

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200710102008/surprise_revelation_in_taxi_driver_rape_case