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| One the newspaper did not report http://taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=16106 |
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| Author: | Chris the Fish [ Fri Feb 11, 2011 11:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | One the newspaper did not report |
Three weeks ago I went to the Magistrates Court with a local association member. Lucky I did really because the CPS lawyer had some questions for me which clarified things for her before it got underway. The press did not report on the case, but I have put this together for our newsletter. Whilst the world cup was in full swing a Plymouth Hackney Driver was at the receiving end of a nasty situation. Whilst paying off at the Charcoal Grill in Mutley Plain a rather drunk individual got in from the offside, two of the three passengers still had to alight. The driver did not want the fare, but the would be punter showed a wallet with money in it, and, as he was in the Cab, it was easier to carry rather than eject the fare. Requesting “City Centre” the driver set off up North Hill and clarified that the passenger wanted Union Street. Along North Road East, the passenger vomited. Stopping the cab and opening the offside passenger door, the driver told the passenger the fare was now the meter plus £50.00 as stated on the meter. Now the passenger claimed he had no money and would need a cashpoint. The driver replied that the Police was the next stop. Doors closed and the Taxi transited North Cross roundabout and went down Western Approach. En route, claiming to be sick the passenger asked for the window to be opened. Then he reached round and hit the driver in the right ear twice in quick succession and landed a third before the driver could get his own window up. The cab was of course moving at the time. Arriving alongside two Police Officers, the Driver requested assistance – the passenger jumped out and ran away, one Policeman chased and caught him. The Policewoman started to try and find out what had happened but was called to a large fight at “Walkabout”. Charged with Assault and Making off without Payment, the Crown failed to prove the Assault but secured the second charge. The Magistrates ordered the fare and soiling charge as compensation, a Fine of £280.00 as well as costs of £175.00 and victim surcharge of £15.00 – so a total of £553.50. The defence argued that you can’t reach from the passenger window to the driver’s ear. In a TX you can. The defence claimed “false imprisonment” – a Taxi is required to have “Motion Locking fitted and working” by the City Council. The defence tried several other lines to discredit the driver, unswervingly he continued to tell the truth. Does the driver feel that he won? Not really, off the road due to the puke. Spending ages in the Police Station making a statement. Spending a whole day in the Court whilst the trial went on (at the third attempt – it was postponed twice). Does the Driver feel he achieved anything? Yes actually he does. Two Police Officers are onside with the trade. The CPS is willing to take things to Court. One young man will probably not attack a Taxi Driver again. Sometimes you have to do the right thing, not the easy thing. We could do with more Drivers who “Do the right thing”. |
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