Man accused in latest Calgary taxi assault was convicted of same crime in 2014

The man accused of punching a Calgary cab driver in the head until he lost consciousness last Friday has done the same thing before.

According to documents obtained by Global News, Todd Dibb assaulted a taxi driver in Grande Prairie, Alta. two years ago.

In a written decision to Dibb when he was granted day parole in February 2015, the board said:

“On April 10, 2014 a cab driver picked up you and another male. He noted your possession of open liquor and told you it was not permitted in the vehicle. While seated directly behind the cab driver, you punched him in the back of the head causing him to temporarily lose consciousness.”

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Dibb, 38, was on day parole when the latest incident happened at about 2:15 a.m. July 1.

READ MORE: Man charged with assault after Calgary cab driver struck, causing taxi to roll over

According to Checker Yellow Cabs, the driver picked Dibb up on 17 Ave. and 5 St. S.W. It’s alleged Dibb was so intoxicated he wasn’t able to provide an address to the cabbie, and that’s what started an altercation.

The incident was caught on CCTV video. Police are not releasing the video at the request of the prosecution.

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Dibb was originally charged with assault, but now faces the upgraded charges of assault causing bodily harm and aggravated assault.

He is also now accused of dangerous driving.

Police allege he grabbed a hold of the taxi’s steering wheel, and caused the vehicle to roll, eventually landing on its roof.

“The cab driver is quite fortunate that he survived, as well as the offender. It was an extremely dangerous situation,” Staff Sgt. Chris Ogwal said.

“Certainly after reviewing the tape the cab driver was viciously assaulted. My observations, I’ve been on for 18 years and probably the most violent assault on a cab driver I’ve ever seen in my career,” he continued.

The parole board also noted Dibb has used alcohol since he was 13 years old and also has a history of using crystal meth.

When he was granted day parole it was noted he was devoted to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Dibb has been remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 12.

The taxi driver has taken some time off to recover, but plans to return to the job.

Watch below: Global’s past coverage of other stories involving assaults on taxi drivers in Calgary

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