Taxi driver is cleared after accident left student hurt

A taxi driver who mounted a pavement and knocked over a celebrating student on graduation day has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Mohammed Junaid, an employee of taxi firm Dundee City Cabs, had his case dismissed at Dundee Sheriff Court.

In what has been described as a “freak accident” on June 22, Mr Junaid got his boot caught behind the accelerator pedal of the electric Nissan Leaf car he was driving as he tried to park at the rank.

A Dundee University graduand, Kenneth Chikezie, was hit by the vehicle along with another male who escaped serious injury.

Mr Chikezie suffered an arm injury and was taken to Ninewells Hospital.

Mr Junaid had originally been charged with careless driving and appeared at court this week to be told the case had been dropped.

He said his large boot had become wedged behind his brake and accelerator pedals as he tried to manoeuvre into the taxi rank on Nethergate.

Mr Juanaid’s boss, Mohammed Hashmi, said he and the company was happy to be able to move on from the incident.

“Basically, the entire incident was an accident,” he said.

“As he moved the taxi into its spot, the wheels had been positioned slightly to the right and touched the kerb.

“When you put these electric vehicles into drive, you have to press the brake quite hard and I believe his foot got stuck between it and the accelerator, after his foot slipped.

“As the car lurched forward he lost control and mounted the pavement.

“We are all very happy to have Mohammed cleared. He is a young driver just starting his career, with a wife and a young baby on the way.

“He is glad to be able to resume his job as a driver and not lose his licence.”

The scene of the accident in Nethergate in June.