Assaulted taxi driver appeals for protection for cabbies

4:00pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News Exclusive By James Cox

Assaulted taxi driver appeals for protection for cabbies Assaulted taxi driver appeals for protection for cabbies

A TAXI driver who was assaulted in her own cab has slammed police for not pursuing her attacker.

Debbie Shore, 44, had clumps of hair pulled out of her head and sratches to her face by a female passenger in November last year.

The girl was restrained by bouncers but got away before police arrived.

A year later, Miss Shore has discovered the identity of her attacker after a passenger tipped her off.

But police have refused to investigate because they do not deem the attack serious enough and because it was more than six months ago.

Miss Shore is also calling for more protection for taxi drivers.

Full story only in Tuesday's Gazette.

Comments(11)

Joker50 says...
4:31pm Tue 30 Oct 12

It's not the Police's fault it's the law, it is common assault and as six months has passed the offence just would not stand in a court of law.

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co4 says...
4:37pm Tue 30 Oct 12

Out of interest, what extra protection does Miss.Shore suggest taxi drivers are offered?

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Say It As It Is OK? says...
4:53pm Tue 30 Oct 12

Nothing to stop her taking out a private prosecution!

I do think though the police should look deeper into the matter, particularly as the name of the alleged attacker has only come to light recently. It's most probably the easiest option for the police who know the CPS are not likely to proceed without a strong case against the individual.

Perhaps its a case of an eye for an eye!

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2012_Jimbob says...
5:46pm Tue 30 Oct 12

The law (not the police) States that some offences cannot be prosecuted after 6 months have elapsed since the date of the offence. Common assault (which is what this appears to be) is subject to the statute of limitations as it is called so there is nothing the police can do.

This means there is no power to arrest for the police.

Perhaps police officers should travel in every cab in Colchester on every fare. Just an idea.

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Say It As It Is OK? says...
6:42pm Tue 30 Oct 12

You may be right 2012_ Jimbob but had it been someone pulling clumps of hair and inflicting scratches on to a police officer would they dismiss this as common assault? I doubt it!

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jut1972 says...
7:05pm Tue 30 Oct 12

Wonder what actual bodily harm has to be caused for an actual bodily harm charge..
The 6 month rule is a nonsense and the law needs changing.

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Taz_1969 says...
8:23pm Tue 30 Oct 12

A totally unprovoked attack on a woman just trying to earn a living! It's disgusting, I happen to know Miss Shore, and the pain she was in for days after, and how brave she had to be to get back in that taxi to do a job she loves, and to now find out that the assailant has boasted about her deeds and nothing can be done about it is absolutely terrible! I do hope she finds some kind of justice and peace.

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hooz21 says...
11:39pm Tue 30 Oct 12

I find it absolutely disgraceful that after being given the assailants name the Police can not do anything about this unprovoked attack on someone that was just doing her job and trying to earn an honest living. Since the attack I imagine Debbie's family and friends worry every time she goes out to work and are so relieved when she returns home safe and sound and I think it took a lot of courage and bravery to go back to work after such a horrendous attack. The law should definitely be changed so that victims like Debbie get the justice they deserve instead of letting people like her attacker go round boasting about what they have got away with doing.

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jammin says...
10:37am Wed 31 Oct 12

I know Debbie and she is a lovely lady and what happened to her is terrible. The same cant be said about the perpetrator. If the police wont do anything because of some ye old law might be time to resolve the matter via an alternate method, A Team style maybe?!!!

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25414nora says...
10:42am Wed 31 Oct 12

Rarely do I use taxi's, so I stand to be corrected...The last time I used a cab, Stratford Station to the O2, The cab driver was screened off from the passengers. I paid the fare through a small hatch, and the driver operated the doors from his cab. I amagine if there was any problem the cabby would take me to the nearest police station, or call for help via his radio phone..In this day and age perhaps taxi operators need to (by law) protect their employees. And owner drivers who do the graveyard shift should consider the likelyhood of picking up a rogue fare..

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Taximan36 says...
5:15pm Wed 31 Oct 12

Colchester High Street, where this incident took place, is overlooked by CCTV cameras. However, like with many other incidents, these cameras were looking in another direction, namely the door of a local night spot. All Taxi drivers would appreciate having a CCTV camera positioned and recording those who get into Taxis on the High Street. Private Hire companies have details of address and phone numbers and names, if the police ever get involved, Hackney Taxi drivers seldom have this and work solo. A camera would be a small gesture from the local council but would go a long way to give more security to drivers of Hackney Taxis in Colchester. Surely this should be given some thought!

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