Teen in cabbie manslaughter trial was fare dodger, court tol

Teen in cabbie manslaughter trial was fare dodger, court told

Thursday 14th August 2008

A TEENAGER accused of killing tragic cabbie Raymond Quigley during a row over payment has been caught fare dodging twice before, a jury has heard.

Mr Quigley died of a heart attack during a struggle with Dale Patterson, 18, in the early hour of September 2 last year.

The 72-year-old taxi driver had picked up Patterson at Newcastle Central Station and was taking him home to Sunderland.

But the pair became involved in a struggle near the grounds of Ryhope hospital, during which Mr Quigley died.

Prosecutors claim the trouble erupted when Patterson tried to run off without paying his cab fare and Mr Quigley tried to detain him.

Patterson, of Manila Street, Sunderland, denies making off without payment and manslaughter.

He is being tried by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court.

Prosecutor Toby Hedworth told jurors today how Patterson was caught fare dodging on the Metro in December 2006 and again in January 2007.

The court heard on December 14 2006 Patterson was stopped by an inspector at Newcastle Central Station after travelling from Park Lane in Sunderland.

He did not have a ticket and was issued with a penalty fare notice.

The court heard he told the inspector his name was Dale Green and slightly altered other personal details.

Mr Hedworth said: "He wasn't going to pay the fine of £20 on the spot until he was told a police check on him would be carried out.

"He then elected to pay the £20 and did so.

"He signed the receipt Dale Patterson."

On January 10 2007 he was stopped again at central station in Newcastle having travelled from Park Lane.

He produced a ticket dated January 4 2007 and again was issued with a penalty fare notice.

This time he gave the correct personal details and opted the pay within 21 days.