A DRUNK partygoer has reimbursed a taxi driver £10 after she fled without paying her fare – but left her company ID in his cab.
Martyn Oakley, 38, picked the woman up outside Evoke nightclub on Wednesday, April 17, at about midnight.
After dropping her off in Springfield she refused to pay and stumbled to her door, but left her work ID behind and was also caught on his CCTV camera.
The woman paid the £10 fare into his account after she was contacted by the Chronicle and then the police, although she has not apologised to him directly.
The Chronicle has chosen not to name her, however, after she expressed fears that she would lose her job.
"I accept the fare, but it's about stopping these people doing runners.
"It's not about the money," said Chelmsford-based Mr Oakley.
"I told the police that I'm out here to make a living, it's my livelihood.
"At the end of the day it's happening more and more and if you ask any drivers down on the station rank you will get the same old story."
After calling police, they attended at about 12.30am and Mr Oakley says they came complete with a dog unit.
The woman, who is very upset about her actions, agreed to make amends after the Chronicle spoke to her and got her partner to call Mr Oakley.
Mr Oakley, like various other cabbies who want more police and CCTV protection, highlights Section Three of the Theft Act 1978.
It states that a person who dishonestly makes off without having paid, with intent to avoid payment, is guilty of a criminal offence.
Last year Mr Oakley picked a woman up from Evoke nightclub to take her home to Stapleford Abbotts – a £70 fare – yet she refused to pay, leading to an argument, before her father came out – kicking and denting his car.