British tourists arrested after taxi driver left bloodied in Magaluf

If you’ve ever been in a situation where you’ve depended on a taxi driver to get you home, you’re probably aware that there are certain conditions you need to meet as a passenger before you can climb into the back seat. Being able to behave yourself is one of them, and being so drunk that you’re likely to cause problems is another.

Two British tourists in Mallorca appear to have discovered just how serious that second condition can become after a taxi driver in Palmanova refused to take them because they were too intoxicated. What followed was a violent confrontation that left one driver covered in blood and missing several teeth, while the two brothers ended their night in the hands of the Guardia Civil.

Taxi refusal sparks violent confrontation

The incident happened at around 2.30am on Wednesday at a taxi rank on Passeig Mar in Palmanova, close to Magaluf. The two British brothers, aged 31 and 21, had reportedly been drinking heavily when they arrived at the rank. According to local reports, the pair first verbally abused two female taxi drivers before trying to get another taxi. A male driver then refused to take them because of their condition.

That decision was followed by a violent confrontation. The younger brother reportedly spat at the driver, before his older brother began punching him. The attack continued with the driver being punched and kicked, leaving him with serious facial injuries and several teeth knocked out.

Another taxi driver was also attacked

The violence did not stop with the first driver, another taxi driver attempted to intervene and was also punched in the face by the younger brother. Other drivers at the rank witnessed the confrontation and contacted the Guardia Civil. Officers arrived at the Palmanova taxi rank and arrested both brothers.

The injured driver was left covered in blood following the attack, with his missing teeth among the injuries reported by local media. The location is in Palmanova, one of Calvià’s main tourist resorts, just along the coast from Magaluf. Taxi ranks in the area can be particularly busy during the late-night hours as tourists leave bars, clubs and other nightlife venues.

British brothers face court proceedings

The brothers were brought before a judge in Palma following their arrests. The 31-year-old was remanded in custody, with the court setting bail at €15,000. His 21-year-old brother was released on bail. Both are facing proceedings relating to the injuries caused during the incident.

Ultima Hora reported that the older brother was considered to have played the greater role in the assault. The case will now continue through the Spanish judicial system. For the taxi drivers involved, what began as an ordinary night shift quickly turned into a serious confrontation.

A night out ends very differently

Taxi drivers in busy holiday resorts regularly deal with passengers who have been drinking, but there is a clear difference between getting into a taxi after a few drinks and being too intoxicated for a driver to feel comfortable accepting the fare. In this case, the refusal to take the two tourists did not end the situation. Instead, it was followed by an attack involving two drivers and the arrests of the two brothers.

The 31-year-old remains in custody unless he meets the €15,000 bail conditions, while his younger brother has been released as the proceedings continue. What should have been a simple taxi ride back to their accommodation instead ended with an injured driver, a second driver assaulted and two British holidaymakers facing the Spanish courts.