Taxi Driver Online

09 Feb 2008

Racist taxi passenger refused to pay

A woman refused to pay a Worcester taxi-driver and dubbed him a
member of the Taliban, a court heard.

Lynn Hart, admitted the charges of racially aggravated harassment and
attempting to make off without payment at Worcester Magistrates.

Hart, of St Catherines Vale, off Wyld's Lane, Worcester, swore at the taxi
driver and referred to him being a member of the Taliban after he drove
them to the police station.

Prosecuting, Mark Soper said the incident happened on Thursday,
December 6, when she had asked the taxi driver to take her and another
male to Tesco so she could buy some beer.

"There was an argument over who was going to pay the taxi fare," said Mr
Soper, adding the male said he did not have any money.

Mr Soper said the taxi driver realised he was not going to be paid so drove
towards the police station when he was racially abused by Hart, who owed
him around £12.

A police officer tried to persuade her to pay but when she refused she was
arrested.

In mitigation, Sam Lamsdale said Hart was not just suffering from
depression but manic depression and was on very strong medication,
including prozac and sleeping tablets.

Miss Lamsdale added she did not remember shouting the abusive words at
the taxi driver.

Deputy District Judge Ian Strongman said: "It is extremely hurtful to
people from ethnic minorities to be targeted with racial abuse."

Hart was given a six month supervision requirement and ordered to pay
the £12 to the driver.

Source: Worcester News