Taxi Driver Online

The Northern Echo

June 30, 2007

CABBIE STOLE MONEY - AS PENSIONER HAD EPILEPTIC FIT

TAXI drivers are joining with police to catch a rogue cabbie who emptied the pockets of an elderly passenger who was having an epileptic fit.

Instead of offering help, the driver stole the 73-year-old's money and stole a cash card, leaving the elderly man alone and vulnerable.

PC Jeff Stone, of Cleveland Police, said: "Stealing from anyone is dishonest.

To steal from an old man is despicable, but to steal from an old man in his own home, while suffering an epileptic fit is just unbelievable.

"I cannot think of a word to describe such as an act.

"I am confident that someone, especially the taxi driving community, will come forward and assist the police with the identity of the person responsible."

The thief was driving one of Middlesbrough's 340 black and yellow taxis when he picked up his victim near the Shipmate pub, at the top of Union Street, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday night.

When the taxi driver drove the man to his home address, in Crescent Road, his passenger was told he did not have enough money for the fare.

The elderly man went into his home to find more money and was followed indoors by the taxi driver.

As the man went into a drawer to get the money, he suffered an epileptic fit.

Joe Durkin, a former chairman of the Middlesbrough Hackney Carriage Association, said: "It is totally disgusting.

"If it is an owner-driver, he should have his plates taken off.

He is not a fit and proper person to meet the public.'' John Moon, co-owner of Boro Cars, in Middlesbrough, said the taxi fraternity will do what it can to identify the thief - and report him.

He said: "It's absolutely disgraceful. On the whole, it needs just one bad apple to tar everyone.

"No genuine taxi driver will condone this and will not be happy at all.'' The taxi driver has been described as a white male, approximately 45 to 50 and well built.

Anyone with information is asked to call Middlesbrough Police on 01642-303126 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.
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A driver in this area was done for sexually assaulting a passenger while she was having an epeleptic fit.

Our local association chairman was also done for interfering with a child he had in his taxi.

Or "ex-chairman".