Broken hip hell for Burton OAPA PENSIONER was left in hospital with a broken hip due to the careless driving of a Burton cabbie.
Perviez Akram, 46, of Princess Street, Burton, admitted driving without due care and attention and failing to report an accident when he appeared at Burton Magistrates’ Court.
Akram, a father of four, picked up three pensioners from Thornley Street to take them to a social club gathering at 1.30pm on May 9.
Two elderly women managed to get into the taxi without problem, but as a man in his 70s — known only as Mr Croft — tried getting in, Akram’s vehicle shot forward, causing the pensioner to fall backwards onto the floor.
The taxi’s sliding door also collided with Mr Croft before he fell. He was left with substantial injuries including bruises, cuts and swelling to his face, a broken hip and a swollen wrist.
A local garage owner saw the incident and ran over to assist Mr Croft and call an ambulance, as the victim was covered in blood.
Giles Rowden, prosecuting, said: “As Mr Croft was struggling to get into the vehicle, the defendant walked round and got in his driver’s seat.
“The taxi then shot forward because Akram took his foot off the clutch. Mr Croft wasn’t even in the taxi properly and the door wasn’t closed.
“He sustained nasty injuries and was in hospital for some time.
“Mr Croft has actually died since this happened, and
although we now know his death had nothing to do with this incident, he still suffered with these serious injuries for a considerable time.
“The defendant didn’t report the incident to the police and he knows full well he was supposed to, being a taxi driver.”
Mark Aspden, defending, described the case as ‘tragic’ and said his client offered his condolences to Mr Croft’s family.
He said: “Akram has been a taxi driver for eight years; he holds a clean licence and is normally a careful driver.
“His foot just slipped off the clutch — it wasn’t like he intended to hurt him. Mr Croft lost his balance and, due to his age, he suffered significant injuries.
“Akram followed the ambulance to the hospital and apologised to Mr Croft, as well as visiting his wife to say sorry.
“As regards not reporting the matter, there is no excuse — he should have gone to the police straight away.
“He’s extremely concerned he will lose his job over this and that would have a huge impact on his family.”
Akram’s driving licence was endorsed with six points and he was fined £100 for careless driving.
He was also made to pay £80 for failing to report the accident, £60 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Broken ... 122011.htm
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