Taxi Driver Online

Irish News

December 4, 2006 Monday

HEADLINE: Cabbie urged to return medical device

BYLINE: Catherine Morrison

A taxi driver who drove off with a woman's handbag containing vital medical equipment has been urged to return it.

Kate Johnston (49) said she and her partner got into the black taxi in Bradbury Place in south Belfast early yesterday, after a rare night out. The taxi broke down on Grosvenor Road on their way back to the Shankill area and police said the driver asked the couple to get out and give him a push.

But when the car started again, he drove off, leaving the couple stranded. Ms Johnston, who is recovering from breast cancer, has an implant called a stimulation system fitted in her side to alleviate pain.

The 'remote control' which activates the implant was in her handbag when the taxi drove off. The device, which costs around £10,000, is rarely used in the north and Ms Johnston's doctor brought it over from England for her. She has appealed for the driver to return it.

"I couldn't believe it when he drove off. How could someone do that?" she asked. "I really need this to control the pain and without it I don't know what I am going to do."
.........................................

_________________
IDFIMH