
Two Bournemouth women who skipped out on a taxi fare were caught by police after one of them "shared a police appeal featuring both their faces" on social media.
Larisa Sumovskaja, 18, and Jasmine Orchard, 21, took a taxi home after a night out, but left the vehicle without paying the £38 fare. When the driver attempted to stop them, the women "lashed out at him before making off."
Dorset Police issued an appeal with dashcam photos of the suspects, which Sumovskaja then shared on her own Facebook page, writing: ‘go like it guys xxx’
The post quickly led to their identification as "Several Facebook friends pointed out in the comments that she had effectively outed herself and Orchard."
The pair appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court where they both pleaded guilty to making off without payment.
They were ordered to pay £100 each to the taxi driver in compensation.
The court heard the January incident has caused the taxi driver such anxiety that he "has stopped working nights and lost some of his income."
The prosecutor, Tara Olney, described the defendants as "friends who operated in tandem."
The taxi fare dodging is the second time the pair have appeared in court together, as they were previously convicted in August for insulting a bar manager about his weight, spat at two security staff and hit them with their handbags.
Niall Theobald, defending Sumovskaja, called his client an "immature young lady" who suffered from mental health issues.

New research analysing Reddit travel discussions has named Turkey as the country where tourists most frequently report falling victim to taxi scams.

The unnamed driver's licence is suspended for three months, though she may return sooner if she completes training.

Glasgow taxi drivers could soon be required to accept card payments after the city's licensing committee officially agreed to hold a public consultation on the issue.

The move is being driven by "significant increases in the cost of vehicles and maintenance, fuel and the cost of living," according to a Shetland Islands Council (SIC) report.

The motion, spearheaded by Labour councillor Mohammed Jamil, requires the city council to write to the Secretary of State for Transport and two local MPs, urging their support.

Footage captured the vehicle entirely "enveloped in flames" as firefighters arrived on the scene to tackle the intense blaze.

The claimants, Miss O Akinleye and Mr A Olumade, pursued an employment tribunal against BDBC alleging sex discrimination, race discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.

Several members of the Wakefield taxi & private hire trade were at the meeting and one was so angry and concerned at what was said by this licensing officer that he has lodged the complaint.


Wolverhampton has revealed 17 reports of alleged sexual assault or rape against its licensed drivers within a three-month period.

Jordan Roberts, 27, of Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court on November 25, where he pleaded guilty to robbery.

The Taxi Centre has stepped up to support Glasgow’s taxi trade and a local charity, raising a further £2,600 for a cancer charity, bringing the total raised for the charity this year to £4,300.

Malik Paracha’s licence was taken away in March 2025 when Buckinghamshire Council officers became aware that he had committed ‘multiple motoring offences’.

Under the new rules, taxi use for medical travel will be restricted to "exceptional" cases such as physical disability, pregnancy or serious illness - and these will require government approval.

Madjid Belabes, 53, arranged for the five cabbies to take people from London to lay-bys in Kent before being put in lorries and taken to France.

A driver accused of switching off his meter, quoting inflated prices and demanding cash only, or behaving in a way that’s opposite to what passengers expect from a licensed professional driver. 

From 1 December 2025, Norwich City Council is introducing enhanced licensing standards and a fresh look for plates and badges - the latest step to keep taxi journeys safe and professional.

However this particular individual who described himself as working for Leeds City Council was gesturing for me to pick him up in the hackney carriage rank.

Traditional desk operator at Manchester Airport .... tender not awarded???

From 1 January 2026, private hire vehicle operators - ride hailing apps - WILL NO LONGER be able to use the Tour Operators Margin Scheme to reduce their VAT liabilities/
