Hero Cabbie Saves Gran From Fleecing By Dodgy Gardeners
July 14 2009 Liverpool Echo
A cab driver foiled a plot to fleece a disabled gran of hundreds of pounds.
Three gardeners demanded frail Maud Miskimmin, 82, cough up almost £400 cash after they pruned one of her trees.
When she said she didn’t have the cash at home they bullied her into catching a taxi to the Post Office to get the money.
Fearful they would turn violent if she didn’t do what they said, Maud called her regular cab firm to pick her up.
But when she explained why she needed to go to the Post Office, quick thinking driver Philip Sharpe vowed she wouldn’t have to part with a penny.
Maud, of Allerton, told the ECHO: “He was marvellous. I was telling him why I was going to the Post Office and how much – he said ‘my God, you’re not paying that much’.”
Mr Sharpe called the police while Maud was getting the money out, then drove her home.
Maud, who is suffering with heart and kidney failure, added: “He said you go in the house and don’t open this door to anybody.
“I went in crying my eyes out with shock.”
Mr Sharpe, who drives for Garston Village Taxis, got out of his cab and confronted the con artists.
He said the police were on their way and demanded to see their tree surgeon credentials – if they had any.
Mr Sharpe, 38, said: “I was furious they were trying to take advantage of a little old lady, who’s a widow and disabled.
“I was just in the right place at the right time to help her out.”
As soon as the police arrived they backed down and left with just over £100, which Maud had already given them.
The gang initially quoted Maud £168 to trim the apple tree.
But they offered to do other gardening without telling her how much it would cost.
After just two hours’ work the ring leader demanded £386 and refused to accept anything but cash.
Maud said: “I just thought to myself if I don’t give him that money he’s going to beat me up. I was crying.”
Source; liverpoolecho.co.uk
Login
Register
FAQ
