Trowbridge passenger failed to pay £160 taxi fareA man who took a taxi from Maidenhead to Trowbridge and made off without paying has appeared at the North West Wilts Magistrates’ Court.
Pawel Laszczych, 24, of Bond Street, Trowbridge, left behind ID after the trip on May 14 last year, and was tracked down by police.
Michaelle Hewitt, prosecuting, said the defendant still had not paid for the trip.
“He admitted in his interview with police that he had not paid the fare and that he had given the driver his Polish identification card,” she said.
“He said he wanted to pay, but he hadn’t got the money. The defendant was offered a conditional caution by police to pay last May. When he continued not to, the matter was turned over to the court.”
Mr Moses, defending, said it was an “extroardinary” case. “A guilty plea was entered at the earliest possible opportunity,” he said.
However, as Laszyzych does not speak English, he was unable to understand how to send the money to the driver. He needed a translator throughout the hearing.
“He cannot read or write in English,” said Mr Moses.
“He was lost in the system and so we are where we are. He is anxious for you to know that he always wanted to pay. He just did not know what do to or who to contact.”
Mr Moses said it was a “very unfortunate set of circumstances”, and his client had been unable to find work.
Magistrate Roger Coleman ordered the defendant to pay £160 to the taxi driver.
He said: “I understand you are unemployed, so I make no application for further costs.”
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