Illegal Cabbie Jailed For Dragging Passenger To His Death

Matab Uddin

An illegal mini-cab driver, who dragged a passenger to his death in the early hours of the morning, has started an eight-year prison sentence.

Matab Uddin, 59, of Blackshots Lane, Grays, Essex picked-up 27 year-old recruitment consultant Oliver Farrell, who had spent a night out in the Old Street area of Shoreditch.

The popular university graduate, who had travelled all over the world, had spent the evening celebrating his brother's birthday.

Uddin was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and fraud at Inner London Crown Court.

The court heard how police were called on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at about 1.45am to reports of a man injured on Essex Road, Islington.



Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and took Mr. Farrell, to the Royal London Hospital, where he died three days later.



Oliver Farrell

A post-mortem examination took place at Poplar Mortuary on Thursday, November 21, 2013 and gave the cause of death as head injuries.



Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit launched an investigation.

Mr. Farrell was picked up by Uddin, an unlicensed minicab driver, with previous convictions for minicab touting. 



A short while later, Mr. Farrell got out of the cab to use a cash machine, however Uddin drove off, leaving Mr. Farrell in Essex Road. 

CCTV showed Uddin returning a few minutes later, pulling up next to Mr. Farrell, who leaned through the open passenger window.

Uddin then drove away at speed, while Mr. Farrell clung to the car.

After being carried along for about 100 yards, he lost his grip and fell to the ground, suffering a fatal head injury. 



Uddin failed to stop at the scene and made off.

Fortunately the incident was witnessed by a taxi driver, who happened to be driving behind Uddin, and took down his registration number. 



CCTV on Kingsland High Road caught Uddin making a dangerous manoeuvre, crossing a central reservation during his getaway. 



The car registration details taken by the taxi driver proved vital in identifying Uddin, who was arrested in connection with the incident after handing himself in at a north London police station later that morning. 



Detective Sergeant Chris Osborne of the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the Mr. Farrell's family, who have retained the utmost dignity throughout the whole investigation and court case.

My thoughts remain with them."



"This case highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed minicabs.

“People trying to make their way home, especially late at night, should only use pre-booked licensed minicabs or black cabs.

“This is a tragic case for all involved and it stemmed from the unscrupulous actions of Mr Uddin.

“Our investigation showed he was illegally touting and on this occasion drove off without any regard for Mr. Farrell's safety.

“He then failed to stop and made clear attempts to flee the scene."



On behalf of Oliver Farrell's family, his brother, Ben, said: "Having to experience nearly two years to arrive at this position has been a hugely traumatic and terrible experience for us all.

“However, it is incomparable to the pain we have felt and will continue to feel from the fact that Oli's future has been taken from him and that such a bright light in our own lives will never be with us again.

“No punishment will ever bring Oli back, however we seek justice for the benefit of greater society to reduce the chances of other families having to experience what we have been through and will continue to go through.

“Oli was a fair man and would want nothing more and nothing less than this. 



"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the police and those present here today for the compassion they have shown us."