Assault trial for Iqaluit taxi driver starts May 22 at Nunavut court

An Iqaluit taxi driver, Abdullahi Omar, who is alleged to have got into a fight with the owner of an Iqaluit dry cleaning and laundry business, appeared at the Nunavut Court of Justice May 22 for a trial on five weapons and threat-related charges.

Omar, 48, was charged after he and another man got into a fight Jan. 30 outside building 1057, which houses an Iqaluit laundry and dry cleaning business.

During the brawl, Omar is alleged to have used a small knife, along with his automobile, as weapons against the man.

In court May 22, Daniel Hodgson, owner of Qikiqtani Laundry Services Ltd., told court that he punched Omar three or four times in the face to defend himself after the taxi driver attempted to slash him with a pocket knife.

Hodgson said Omar fell to the ground after the punches, got behind the wheel of his cab and attempted to hit Hodgson with the car.

During Hodgson’s testimony, Omar sat in the courtroom listening attentively.

Omar had been released from custody by a justice of the peace on the condition he attend the trial.

Omar is charged two counts of assault with a weapon, operating a motor vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and uttering a threat.

The trial continues during the afternoon of May 22 in front of Justice Robert Kilpatrick.