'My life has been ruined'

Bed-bound: Mohammed Wahab of Pitsmoor Picture: Roger Nadal


Date: 20 July 2009
By Claire Lewis
A TAXI driver whose life was "ruined" by a motorist who smashed into his cab and ran off, leaving him trapped inside, is devastated after learning no-one will ever be prosecuted.Mohammed Abdul Wahab, aged 43, of Abbeyfield Road, Pitsmoor, Sheffield, had to be cut free from the mangled wreckage of his car by firefighters, while the driver responsible fled.

The father-of-five has been bed-bound ever since the collision after shattering his hip and pelvis.

He endured two operations, has 10 metal screws holding his fractured bones together and, because of the severity of his injuries, still struggles to walk and must have carers visit him at home every day.

Mr Wahab said the thought that kept him going was the prospect the culprit would one day be brought to justice.

Now he is coming to terms with the news no-one will face charges over the collision on Abbeydale Road, last November.

He told The Star: "I am devastated that nobody is going to get prosecuted for this – that somebody can ruin my life and get away with it.

"I feel totally let down by the justice system."

Mr Wahab, who had been a taxi driver for four years at the time of the smash, but is now unable to work, had just dropped a customer off when his car was hit from the side and forced into a lamppost.

Three men scrambled out of the car responsible and ran off.

"They were trying to overtake me when they hit me from the side, forcing me to swerve and hit a lamppost," he said. "They didn't even have the decency to stay and see whether I was hurt.

"They just ran off, leaving me trapped, and have ruined my life."

Police did initially charge a man with failing to stop after a collision, failing to report a collision, driving a vehicle without insurance, and driving other than in accordance with a licence.

Mr Wahab said: "I was told police charged somebody after finding DNA, but apparently because nobody can prove he was actually the driver he has got away with it.

"I am having to survive on benefits and, because nobody has prosecuted, I can't even claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Board. It is all wrong."

A spokeswoman for the Crown Prosecution Service said: "Having reviewed the file sent to us by South Yorkshire Police it was clear that, while it could be proved the man charged was in the car, there was not sufficient evidence to prove he was the driver.

"In the circumstances it would only be possible to pursue a prosecution against the actual driver.

"We realise this must be disappointing and frustrating for Mr Wahab."