Taxi Driver Online

June 14, 2007 Thursday

Police defend decision only to caution cab office attacker

Gina Marden

Echo

POLICE have responded to accusations they were too lenient with a man who smashed up a cab office and attacked a female taxi driver.

The Echo reported earlier this week cabbies at United Taxis near Laindon Railway Station were angry police had merely cautioned a 25-year-old who vandalised their office and attacked taxi driver Vivien Willis, 50.

But Insp Simon Dobinson says Mrs Willis was consulted about the way police planned to handle the incident.

The man was charged with two counts of assault and two of criminal damage.

Mr Dobinson said: "As a result of our investigation, the victim was consulted to see if she was happy for the suspect to be cautioned.

"The caution was considered agreeable to all parties."

He added: "I'm disappointed there seems to be a perception the man was let off lightly.

"The victim was made aware what a caution involved and agreed it was appropriate."

The incident, in the early hours of June 2, arose after a fight nearby.

The attacker chased another man into the office, then vandalised it, attacked Mrs Willis and smashed the windscreen of her cab.
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It would be nice to see a comment fron the person that was attacked; don't want the Balck Rats getting off easiily!

So the onus is now on the victim as to what scumbags are charged with?

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IDFIMH

Easier that way, because the victim is less likely to call for action if the criminal knows that the victims hold the whip hand.

A bit like the anon complaints to LAs - the wrongdoer is more likely to get away with it if they have to know who the complainant is.

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