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Dundee taxi driver racially abused in ruckus with suspected fare dodgers


Image: DC Thomson

A taxi driver was racially abused during a row with a couple he suspected were trying to dodge paying their fare.

Alan Phillips called the cabbie a “black b*****d” in a racially-aggravated verbal attack in the city’s Lansdowne Court in 2021.

The 52-year-old appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court, alongside 48-year-old Lyn Finlay, and admitted repeatedly shouting and swearing at the driver after he refused to take them to another address.

Finlay pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, likely to cause fear or alarm, for her role in the ruckus.

Sentenced to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work within six months, Phillips complained from the dock that the timescale “was not long enough”.

Sheriff Paul Brown said he would not accept any “frivolous” excuses for the work not being done.

Row erupted over fare

The court heard Phillips and Finlay got embroiled in an argument with the taxi driver on November 3.

Depute fiscal Larissa Milligan told the court: “At around 8pm, the complainer had been sent to collect both accused from an address on Hilltown.

“They were taken to Lansdowne Court.”

She said: “Phillips left the vehicle briefly to go into the multi while Finlay remained inside the car.

“The complainer was conscious he had been ordered to collect other fares.

“Phillips returned to the vehicle, but wished to go to another location.

“The complainer asked how long he would be.

“A dispute between the complainer and Phillips began, during which Phillips shouted and swore at the complainer.”

He ranted: “What are you f***ing worried about, you’ve got the meter running.”

Ms Milligan said: “Both accused then said they’d already given the complainer £40, which was not the case.

“The complainer became concerned the fare would not be paid.

“He asked them to leave the taxi.”

Police heard racial slur

The fiscal depute said: “Phillips shouted and swore at the complainer.

“Finlay entered the taxi at the driver side door, the complainer became worried and removed her from the vehicle.

“She fell to the ground.

“Phillips then suggested the complainer had assaulted Finlay.”

Ms Milligan said: “A discussion between the two continued during which the complainer pushed Phillips, causing him too to fall.

“The complainer then got back to his taxi.

“Phillips called him a black b*****d.”

Police were called and officers overheard Phillips using the racial slur.

Regretful

Solicitor Paul Parker Smith, representing Phillips, said his client had a lengthy record but few convictions of an aggressive nature.

He said: “His position is £6 had been paid to the driver when the vehicle stopped.

“Their intended destination was the city centre.

“He realises he should not have called the driver what he did.”

Solicitor Jim Caird, for Finlay, added: “She regrets her actions.

“She accepts responsibility for what she did.

“She had been drinking.

“She is 48 and has several children and grandchildren.”

Sheriff Paul Brown sentenced Phillips, of South Tay street, to 90 hours of unpaid work.

He deferred sentence on Finlay for six months.

In other words, he was started to get stressed at all the fannying around, and couldn't wait to get rid of them.

Of course, if you dare to ask how long they're going to take, there's a good chance of a huge kick off