Jack Tweed accused of stab threat

Jack Tweed, 21, of Buckhurst Hill, Essex, grabbed Stephen Wilkins around the neck while he was driving his cab at 50mph, magistrates in Epping, Essex, were told on Monday.

Mr Wilkins, who is in his 50s, said he was attacked after picking up Tweed - and three other people - outside a club in Epping in the early hours of May 5 last year.

Tweed, who married 27-year-old reality television star Goody eight days ago, denies assault.Mr Wilkins said Tweed, a second man and two women climbed into his silver Peugeot at about 3.30am.

He said all four sat in the back seat in breach of taxi regulations. But when he raised concerns he was told to "just drive".

He said Tweed became aggressive after he asked for the fare up front, in accordance with his firm's policy.

Mr Wilkins said he decided to turn around and return to Epping and then came under attack from Tweed. He added that Tweed tussled for control of the handbrake with Tweed and the car went into a "half-spin" in the middle of the road.

When questioned by police, Tweed said he was drunk and could not remember the incident but added: "I wouldn't do that to a cab driver."

Fashion assistant Michael Haswell, 25, of Hainault, Essex, said he was the second male passenger in the car. He told magistrates that Tweed had been unhappy about being asked to pay the fare in advance and had argued with the driver - but said Tweed had not used or threatened violence.

The trial continues on Tuesday.