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Posted on the 19th May 2025 in PHTM News
WELSHPOOL CABBIE IS FINED BUT AVOIDS BAN AFTER DRIVING WITHOUT DUE CARE OR ATTENTION
A Welshpool taxi driver has narrowly avoided a driving ban after being found guilty of driving without due care and attention.
Keith Bonner, 57, accumulated eight penalty points, leaving him just one point away from a ban, for an incident on March 20th last year where he was seen reversing into oncoming traffic and then later forcing an elderly man to take evasive action on a zebra crossing in Welshpool town centre.
Welshpool Magistrates' Court heard that PC Hendleman witnessed Bonner's Vauxhall reversing from a side street, Parker's Place, into Salop Road. Prosecutor Suzanne Cartwright told the court that the same officer then saw an elderly pedestrian step onto a zebra crossing, but Bonner failed to stop, causing the man "to jump back onto the pavement for safety."
When the officer attempted to explain the traffic violations – driving the wrong way on a one-way system and failing to stop at a zebra crossing – Bonner reportedly became "verbal and argumentative, raising his voice and wouldn't listen to the officer explaining why he had been stopped."
The prosecutor highlighted that the offences were aggravated by Bonner's professional status as a taxi driver and the potential harm to the pedestrian. The court also noted Bonner already had three points on his licence for speeding.
Representing himself, Bonner contested the charges, stating he "absolutely did not" accept reversing into oncoming traffic or failing to stop for the pedestrian, dismissing it as "hearsay."
He explained his absence at the trial was due to major surgery in January, a request to vacate which was unsuccessful. Bonner argued that losing his licence would impede his access to hospital appointments due to mobility issues.
Despite Bonner's denial, Chair of the magistrates' bench Anthony Jackson stated: "You were found guilty because you endangered a pedestrian which was committed during a busy time of the day in Welshpool... We agree with the prosecution that this is a matter of seriousness and it was aggravated by you being a professional driver."
Mr. Jackson added: "However, we will treat this with benevolence with your hospital treatment. You have got to drive within the law at all times."
Bonner, who is currently unable to work until July, was ordered to pay £902 to the court, including a victim surcharge, fine, and prosecution costs. He informed the magistrates of his intention to appeal the conviction.
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