June 20, 2008
Padiham nurse in crash 'felt threatened'
A CANCER nurse who ran into the back of a taxi on New Year's Day drove off because she felt threatened by the driver's attitude, a court was told.
Shani Elizabeth Dawson, 33, an SRN at the Christie Hospital, Manchester, had gone out for a drive after returning home from her shift and finding an atmosphere at home.
The mother-of-two hit the taxi at 3.30am at traffic lights as it took a fare to Padiham, Burnley magistrates heard.
Dawson, of College Close, Padiham, admitted failing to report an accident and driving without due care and attention.
Bench chairman Neil Beecham said it was understandable why Dawson didn't stop at the time as she was wary of an agitated male.
He added if people did report accidents to police, they weren't interested unless anybody was injured.
Dawson was fined £150, given six points and was told to pay £30 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Silvia Dacre, prosecuting, said the taxi driver got out of the vehicle.
Dawson was later interviewed and accepted bumping into the cab.
Richard Taylor, defending, said Dawson and her husband had rowed.
The taxi had overtaken her as she approached the traffic lights and stopped almost immediately. She skidded on the damp road.
Dawson intended to stop to speak to the driver, but he was very excitable and Dawson felt very threatened and drove home.
She did not appreciate she had to report the accident. Dawson had been very upset about the incident.
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