MP Steps in on Knife Threat to Taxi Driver
23rd August 2008
South Derbyshire MP Mark Todd has vowed to investigate why legal experts have refused to prosecute a 26-year-old reveller who threatened a taxi driver with a knife.
Mr Todd said he wants to know why Derbyshire Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided not to pursue taxi boss Sadiq Chaudhry's complaint against a passenger who almost stabbed one of his drivers after refusing to pay his fare - despite police arresting the man at the scene and recovering the weapon.
As previously reported in The Mail, Mr Chaudhry, who owns 24 Seven Cabs, in Alexandra Road, Swadlincote, was left furious after the incident, which happened at 2am on Sunday.
After picking a couple up from The Paramount pub, in Swadlincote, one of his drivers dropped them off at an address in Woodville.
The male passenger went inside a property to get the fare and when he failed to emerge, the driver knocked on the front door.
He was then confronted by the man, who chased him back to his cab wielding a kitchen knife.
As the petrified driver struggled to get in and lock the doors, the man slashed the passenger side headrest and threatened to do the same to the driver's neck.
The police were called and arrested the man on suspicion of criminal damage.
However, days after the incident, Mr Chaudhry was told charges would not be brought against the suspect because of 'insufficient evidence'.
Mr Todd said: "The difference will be that no-one witnessed the man causing damage - it's the taxi driver's word against his.
"I would suggest that is probably why no prosecution is being brought against him.
"At the very least I could ask the CPS how they made their decision.
"Last time I questioned them about another case, they said they had made a mistake.
"They probably have a reasonable amount of evidence, simply from the position of the knife and evidence from the driver.
"If Mr Chaudhry would like to contact me, I will be happy to pursue it with the CPS and question their decision."
The taxi driver involved is still off work and recovering from his ordeal.
Mr Chaudhry now plans to call a meeting with taxi firms across Burton, Swadlincote and Ashby to discuss protection measures for their drivers.
"I spoke to South Derbyshire District Council, and they have advised me to write to the Chief Constable," he said.
"If nothing is done then we will all have to take action."
Source; burtonmail.co.uk
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