The taxi driver who was allegedly beaten by NHL star Patrick Kane over incorrect pocket change had drunk driving convictions and no valid driver's licence, the Buffalo News is reporting .
Jan Radecki, 62, of Buffalo, N.Y., had his licence revoked in December, 1998, after refusing to submit to a chemical test, according to records obtained by the newspaper. He was given a conditional licence, but that too was revoked after four months because of a charge of driving while intoxicated.
Andrew C. LoTempio, Radecki's attorney, told the Buffalo News he had no comment on issues around the licence, but that he did represent Radecki during the case of driving while intoxicated.
"I know he went into [Alcoholics Anonymous]and has not drank since then," LoTempio told The News.
LoTempio had told WGN radio in Chicago on Monday that he thinks Sunday's incident with Kane was blown out of proportion.
"There was a dispute over the fee and it just kind of escalated from there," LoTempio told the station. "It was not really a robbery. That is probably a large distortion of what happened."
Asked if the case would end up as a felony, he said: "Absolutely not."
"I think we should be able to work things out," he added.
With files from Associated Press