Cab fare row many fined

AN Ipswich man has been fined £50 and ordered to pay compensation after refusing to stump up for a cab he took home from a pub.

Karl Rose, 50, of Troon Gardens, pleaded guilty to the offence and apologised for his actions when he appeared at South East Suffolk Magistrates' court on Friday.

Lesla Small, prosecuting, said Rose had got into the Hawk Express cab outside the Great white horse in Tavern Street at around 7.45pm on Wednesday December 20.

Along with a woman he was taken to Forfar Close but swore at the driver when asked for the £6.40 fare.

Ms Small said: “He was clearly under the influence of alcohol and fell into the taxi.

“When the driver asked for the fare he swore at him and said it was a rip-off.

“The taxi driver said he would accept £5 but Mr Rose continued to be verbally abusive and said he didn't have any money to pay.”

Rose was arrested and told police in interview he could not remember anything about the incident.

He told officers he was an alcoholic and had been out drinking on the night in question with his partner.

Rose, who was unrepresented, told magistrates the episode was “out of character”.

He said: “I got upset when the taxi driver asked for £6.40 which is 20 per cent over the normal fare for that journey.”

Magistrates ordered Rose to pay a fine of £50, compensation of £20 to the taxi driver and costs of £30.