A Brisbane Uber driver was assaulted by angry taxi drivers who used the ride-share app to set up their unsuspecting victim, a court has heard.
Brisbane Magistrates Court heard Sukhcharan Singh Bal, 26, and Jaskirat Singh, 29, helped assault two Uber drivers outside a Brisbane hotel and Bal used the ride-sharing app to summon a third victim.
The Black & White Cabs drivers were granted bail on Friday despite police concerns about Monday's alleged premeditated attack and two others.
Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Scott Pearson said Bal, backed by up to five others, asked the driver "Are you f***ing Uber?" before punching him in the cheek.
The driver was held and his car was damaged in the attack.
"It's an absolutely premeditated set-up," Sen Sgt Pearson said.
Two other Uber drivers were also allegedly punched and had their phones stolen and cars damaged outside the Wickham Hotel in Fortitude Valley early on Monday.
Singh told one driver "F*** Uber" and "You're taking away our business", before punching him in the head and shoulder and repeatedly punching his windscreen, Sen Sgt Pearson said.
Bal and Singh, both originally from India, were charged on Friday with a string of offences, including assault occasioning bodily harm, stealing and unlawful entry of a vehicle.
Both have lived in Australia for close to a decade.
Their arrests come amid rising frustration among taxi drivers that Uber is operating illegally in Queensland.
An independent review of the state's taxi plan, which includes limousines and ride-sharing services, is not due until August next year.
Bal and Singh were granted bail on condition they surrender their passports, stay away from their alleged victims and not request or travel in an Uber car.
"Have nothing to do with Uber," Magistrate Judy Daley warned them.
Black and White Cabs has reportedly blamed the attacks on rogue drivers and pledged to sack any driver who is charged with a criminal offence.
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