17 October 2007
A TAXI driver who said he drove too fast past a speed camera to get photographic evidence of a car harassing him, has been banned from driving.
David George Oliver, of West End Road, Benington, was flashed driving past Hubberts Bridge at 68mph. The legal limit is 40mph.
On Wednesday the defendant was banned from driving for 28 days by Boston magistrates.
Oliver is a taxi driver of 21 years’ standing who built up his own firm of 20 vehicles before selling it in 1998.
He now operates one vehicle for himself.
Oliver had previously been found guilty in his absence (his court summons arrived while he was out of the country) but gave his version of events to the court.
The 65-year-old told the court he was taking a fare to Heckington at 3.20am on June 24 when, along Sleaford Road, another car full of young men pulled out, causing him to brake and swerve.
He claimed that gesturing between the other car and his passengers led to the other vehicle giving chase, and twice nudging him.
“I know from experience that if I had stopped my passengers would probably have stayed in the car and my car would have
been attacked – it has happened before,” he said.
“I also knew that if I had tried to call the police it would have taken time to get to me.
“I decided to try and go past the camera at a speed, hoping I could get a picture to show the police as evidence. But as I went through the other car must have slowed down.”
Oliver told the court the other vehicle turned off moments later.
The defendant already had six points on his licence and a further six, which would be a punishment in line with his actions, would have seen him face a lengthy ban due to the totting-up process.
Instead, Oliver was given an immediate 28-day ban and no penalty points.
He was also fined £300 and ordered to pay £43 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
On his leaving the court, chairman of the Bench Barbara Bletherwick asked Oliver how he was getting home to Benington.
“Taxi, of course,” he replied.
Source:
Boston Standard
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