Courts allow Tweed to attend Goody funeral

Jack Tweed will be able to attend the funeral of reality TV star Jade Goody after his sentencing was put back.

Tweed (aged 21) of Buckhurst Hill, Essex, had been due in court on Thursday and faced the possibility of jail for assaulting a taxi driver.

The date has been changed to April 16, ensuring he can attend the funeral of his wife, due to take place on Saturday April 4.

Tweed was found guilty of assault by magistrates in Epping, Essex, early in March.

The court was told that Tweed, who denied any offence, had attacked Stephen Wilkins after being driven from a nightclub in Epping in May 2008.

Magistrates said they were considering a jail sentence and adjourned sentencing until March 26.

Court officials said the hearing had been adjourned once more, following Goody's death, and Tweed is now scheduled to be sentenced by magistrates in Harlow, Essex, on April 16.

Prosecutors said Tweed attacked Mr Wilkins - and threatened to stab him - after the taxi driver asked for the fare in advance.

They said the cab was travelling at 50mph when Tweed grabbed Mr Wilkins from behind.

In September 2008, Tweed was given an 18-month jail term by a judge at Chelmsford Crown Court after being convicted of attacking a 16-year-old boy with a golf club.

Tweed, who denied any offence, attacked the youngster in December 2006 in Ongar, Essex, after an altercation, the court heard.

The judge, Recorder Mark Lucraft QC, said Tweed spend nine months in prison before being released on licence. He said the attack had been planned and Daniel suffered bruising to his head, face and chest.

Tweed was released from prison on licence in January. He has to wear a monitoring tag and observe a curfew.