A CHELMSFORD taxi driver who claims he was reversed into by a fellow cabbie over a territory dispute is furious after police chose not to prosecute.
Driver Arron Grattin caught the Maldon-registered taxi picking up a group of revellers from Duke Street, Chelmsford, in the early hours of May 5, despite it being unlicensed to work in the area.
As both cars dropped off the large group of passengers on Bank Street, Braintree, at 2am he decided to confront the man in his cab.
"As soon as I dropped my group off I saw the other car drop his passengers round the corner," explained Arron, 22, from Braintree. "I went over to him and asked why he was taking fares from Chelmsford when he is not allowed.
"He got annoyed and wanted to drive off, so he reversed his car and hit me three times.
"Now I'm on crutches and I can't really work because the impact has damaged the nerves in my knee."
The injured 22-year-old then says he waited 90 minutes for police after reporting the incident, but claims no officers arrived.
"I called back after an hour and they said they were really sorry but there was nothing they could do," added Arron, who pays £400 per year for his taxi licence.
"I was not going to wait any longer for an ambulance so I tried to get into my cab and drive, but I had to stop and order one because it was too painful.
"When I got to the hospital they said to rest it out as long as possible, it has affected my livelihood."
He is outraged that police have dealt with the matter through neighbourhood or community resolution, an approach where the officer decides if criminals and their victims can agree to resolve an offence without the need for a prosecution.
From May 2010 to June last year, Essex Police dealt with 6,386 crimes using Neighbourhood Resolution.
Many of the crimes relate to common assault, shoplifting and criminal damage. However, more serious offences such as blackmail, grievous bodily harm and death threats have also been dealt with in this way.
"I don't think that is the best message to send to other people – that you can get away with something as terrible as that if it is your first offence.
"I thought this incident would have been more than enough, but what needs to happen? Does someone need to be killed? It shouldn't have to get that far."
Arron, who has been a cabbie for just a year has now arranged a meeting with staff at Chelmsford City Council to discuss how they can do more to assist fellow taxi drivers.
"We want people to realise that if you are licensed in Maldon you do not come to Chelmsford and start nicking our work because your area is not doing so well.
"People who have been doing this job in Chelmsford tell me it has always been the same; it is a free-for-all," he added.
A police spokesman said: "Police investigated a collision in Bank Street, Braintree, between a car and a pedestrian.
"The incident occurred between 3am and 3.10am on May 5 where a 22-year-old suffered injuries to his leg.
"A 35-year-old driver from Maldon was dealt with by community resolution."
