Taxi driver bashed in western Sydney

A MAN has been charged after a taxi driver was punched repeatedly in the head and face and threatened with a screwdriver during an attempted robbery in Sydney's west.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, the 36-year-old taxi driver picked up two men in Hebersham and drove them to Penrith.

When the taxi stopped on Lethbridge Street, one passenger got out of the car while the other man brandished a screwdriver and demanded cash, police say.

The driver was then punched several times to the head and face while he drove to a nearby RSL club to seek help.

When they arrived at the club, the armed man left the scene and the driver was taken to hospital and treated for cuts on his face.

A 30-year-old man was arrested a short time later and has been charged with assault with the intent to rob while armed with an offensive weapon.

The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court yesterday.

Police have spoken to the other man who was in the taxi, but no charges will be laid against him.