A FORMER taxi driver who drove off after hitting a man with his cab in Old Town’s High Street has appeared in court.

Mosa Shakeeb, 22, of Broad Street, Swindon, pleaded guilty at Swindon Magistrates Court to driving without due care and attention and failing to stop after a road accident.

The court heard that Shakeeb was driving a taxi on November 3 and had just picked up a fare when his car collided with a bar manager from the Goddard Arms. Pauline Lambert, prosecuting, said: “Around 11.30pm, a man who worked as a bar manager walked his girlfriend home and was heading back to his place of work.

“He walked across the High Street after looking both ways and as he reached the centre of the road, a vehicle which had been parked on Steeple View turned right onto the High Street and struck him on the right side of his body.

“He didn’t have time to react. He rolled across the bonnet, slid up the windscreen and fell onto the ground.

“The vehicle stopped for a brief period but then drove off in the direction of the Magic Roundabout.

“The victim felt fortunate not to be seriously hurt but was shaken by the incident.”

Mr Shakeeb was later interviewed by police. He admitted his car struck the pedestrian but said he did not believe it was a heavy blow. As he saw the pedestrian stand up and walk away, he carried on driving.

The victim suffered scrapes to his elbow and soreness to his back, and an electronic gate opener which was in his pocket was damaged.

A representative for the probation service told the court: “Mr Shakeeb was very humble. He did not drive off out of maliciousness – he said he panicked - but now he understands that what he did was incorrect. His passenger asked if the pedestrian was alright and he said yes.”

Gordon Hotson, defending, said: “Mr Shakeeb had been waiting in a side road to pick up a fare and went to pull out.

“As he pulled out, he did not spot that a pedestrian had just started to cross the road. There was a collision and he did stop, but then foolishly drove off.

“What he should have done was stopped and gone to speak to the pedestrian and given him his details. He fully accepts that he should not have driven off.

“The standard of his driving after the incident fell below the standard that was expected.

“He stopped working as a taxi driver shortly after this and has since gained employment in retail.”

For driving without due care and attention, Shakeeb was fined £230. For failing to stop, he was given a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 in costs plus £85 to victim services. He has also been given nine points on his driving licence.