Dublin

A TAXI driver stole a customer's iPhone when the man trusted him to charge it in his cab, then forgot to take it back at the end of the journey.

Patrick Lyons (40) helped himself to the phone after the passenger got out, then sold it to a mobile phone shop where it was eventually tracked down.

He was put on probation for a year when he admitted a theft charge at Dublin District Court.

Lyons, with an address at Fortlawn Avenue, Blanchardstown, pleaded guilty to stealing the phone at Harcourt Street on July 15.

The prosecuting garda said Lyons picked up the fare, who asked if he could charge his iPhone in the car. When he got to Harcourt Street, the victim got out but forgot to take his phone with him.

Lyons drove off and when he realised the phone was missing, the victim called it but it had been switched off.

The victim had a 'find my iPhone' app and used it to locate it at a mobile phone and laptop repair shop on Parnell Street.

The phone was recovered in good working order and returned to the victim.

Inquiries were carried out and Lyons was identified through information from the victim's conversation with him and "very good quality" CCTV footage from the phone shop.

EVIDENCE

Lyons had previous convictions for offences including theft of petrol from a filling station and driving without insurance.

He had not been banned from driving on the insurance charge and told the court he had been hiring the taxi from a man who was supposed to have had it insured.

Lyons, a father of three, was working part-time as a taxi driver and had been going through a "bad time" when he committed the theft, his barrister told the court.

He was having health problems and committed what was an "opportunistic" crime on the spur of the moment.

Judge Ann Watkin said the accused had stolen before, was given a chance by the courts and carried out the latest theft five months later.

"He didn't learn from it, but set against that, he didn't set out to do this, it was an opportunity that presented itself and he took it," the judge said.

The court heard the garda was obliged to notify the taxi regulator of the conviction and the circumstances – that it was in the course of his job and a "breach of trust".

She did not know if his licence would be taken away as a result.

"People get into taxis, very often late at night with a lot of alcohol on them, although there's no evidence of that here, and trust that they won't be abused," Judge Watkin said.
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Cornwall

Crime fears as plug is pulled on Falmouth taxi marshalls

Falmouth’s taxi marshals will patrol the rank for the last time this weekend with police fearing the revocation of the service will lead to an increase in late night crime and disorder.

Falmouth Town Council, which acts as administrators of the scheme, has pulled the plug after promises of funding from local businesses failed to materialise. Notice has been served meaning the marshals will be out for the last time on Saturday, unless a new funding stream is identified.

Town clerk, Mark Williams, told councillors: “This was a service funded by contributions from pubs, clubs and businesses involved the late night economy. When it was set up, the agreement was the council would be the exchequer for the service and if it got to the situation it was drawing on the public purse, we would serve notice on it – that is where we are.”

The council’s finance committee was told many local businesses had pledged financial support, but few actually came up with the cash. A grant application made to the local police and crime commissioner had also been rejected.

The council’s finance officer, Ruth Thomas, said: “Without substantial sustained funding it is difficult to see how this scheme can continue to deliver even though there is no question of its effectiveness.

“Falmouth Town Council does not have the resources to facilitate the delivery of this scheme if it remains to be funded by voluntary contribution.”

The value of the scheme was also confirmed by PC Andy Hocking who said that before the marshals, people had been afraid to use the taxi rank as it “gained a disreputable notoriety” with incidents of antisocial or criminal behaviour being recorded every weekend.

He said: “The scheme proved to be an instant success with a marked decrease in incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour from the outset. The marshals have provided reassurance to taxi operators and passengers alike. Falmouth is a safer place to be as a result of taxi marshals.

“The marshals defuse petty arguments on the taxi rank, preventing escalation of potential serious injury or public order incidents. It seems unthinkable that such a successful initiative could falter.

“Should the taxi marshal service stop due to the lack of funds, it would impact greatly on public safety and without a doubt herald an increase in crime and injury in the area of The Moor.”

Councillors decided to call time on the scheme after hearing it will cost around £7,000 over the next year to run it one night a week. Councillor Trish Minson said: “I do not think we have any option but to serve notice, albeit reluctantly.”

Committee chair, Candy Atherton added: “I think there will be some impact, but we have to be realistic. The door is always open to any commercial company who may wish to approach the town council with a serious commitment.”