Taxi Driver Online

Taxi driver cleared in teen death trial

A taxi driver accused of causing the death of a teenage girl by careless driving has been found not guilty.

A jury at Preston Crown Court heard that Rebecca Smith, 15, became separated from friends shortly before crossing the A6 London Way in Walton-le-Dale on September 18 2011.

However, once her friends had crossed the road in safety, Rebecca, 15, was knocked down by the taxi driven by Mohammed Idrees and died from her injuries

During the two day trial at Preston Crown Court, Mr Idrees 32, of St Stephen’s Road, Deepdale, Preston, insisted he was driving safely and denied causing Rebecca’s death by careless driving. Yesterday Mr Idrees was found not guilty.

Prosecutor Francis McEntee had said during the trial: “It also has to be conceded that Rebecca Smith entered the carriageway at a point where it wasn’t safe to do so.

“Whilst it must have been difficult for the defendant to see Rebecca Smith, she initially moved from the barrier in the central reservation and she should have been seen by the defendant as she crossed in front of the vehicle.”

Mr Idrees said he tried to brake and change lanes when he saw Rebecca in a bid to avoid a collision but, by the time he saw her, it wasn’t possible for him to stop.

The jury previously heard Rebecca, a pupil at Lostock Hall Academy, was wearing dark clothing and it was dark and drizzling at the time.

The jury heard the collision happened close to where the speed limit changes from the national speed limit to 50mph. Accident investigators concluded that at the time of the collision Idrees was travelling 51 to 56 mph.

Today Rebecca’s family spoke of their ‘disappointment’ at the verdict and paid tribute to her. A statement released by Jenny Keith of Fentons Solicitors LLP, on behalf of mum Nicola Smith, of Walton-le-Dale, said: “Mrs Smith and her family have been left devastated by the loss of Rebecca, a beautiful young woman who had her whole life ahead of her. Rebecca was a very happy, giggly girl, a loved and loving daughter whose favourite thing in the world was to go horse-riding.

“They have been robbed of the future they had looked forward to spending with Rebecca, and this terrible incident has left everyone who knew and loved Rebecca in a state of shock and disbelief.

Following the verdict, Mrs Keith, a partner with the firm, confirmed she is representing Mrs Smith in a civil claim against Mr Idrees.

Mrs Keith said: “As we consider our next course of action, it would be inappropriate to offer any further comment.”

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/local/taxi-dr ... -1-5783738

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Someone died, so someone has got to pay. Thankfully the court saw through that nonsense.

So now the criminal stuff is done, is all now down to money.

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IDFIMH

Well, If the Lassies parent was a Partner in the Law firm that is going to represent her in a Private action then It's only to be expected I guess.

Can't help feeling that what the Court see's as a tragic accident would be best left at that, If the reasons were to Chase money then it seems wrong as the Drivers been cleared of any wrong doing or fault.

This kind of thing Just leads to Claim, Counter Claim, Reclaim and further counter claim until the first guy blinks.

No winners, Just an indefinite amount of Heartache for all concerned, especially Parents and Driver.

Why? No amount of money will bring the child back and if it was me no amount of money would compensate for my lose, not even come close to compensation. However I would like to think that I had educated my children in road safety so as they wouldn't cross in dangerous places, and, I would feel I'd failed in this incident. Perhaps by seeking to blame others it will ease another conscience

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

Bang on the money and very eloquently put Toots.