Black Cab Driver Accused Of Death Collision

Cabbie: Michael Amorsingh

A black cab driver ran over and killed a pensioner crossing the road because he was not paying attention behind the wheel, a jury heard.

Taxi driver Michael Amorsingh, 54, simply told police he did not see 67 year-old Robert Smith, who was struck while crossing Horseferry Road, Victoria.

Witnesses heard a “screech of brakes” and “loud bang” at 11am on December 29, 2017 as the taxi - travelling at approximately 27mph - hit Mr. Smith.

Amorsingh, of Spicers Place, Wickhambreaux, Canterbury has pleaded not guilty at Inner London Crown Court to one count of causing death by careless driving.

Local man Mr. Smith, a father-of-four, who worked closely with the homeless, suffered serious a serious injury to his forehead and the left side of his head and died in hospital a week later.

Prosecutor Mr. Paul Wakerley told the jury: “This is a sad case, someone has tragically lost their life.

“We say this incident was at least in part due to Mr. Amorsingh not driving to the standard the law expects drivers to maintain.

Tragedy: Robert Smith

“He was driving a black taxi in broad daylight in Central London when he hit Mr. Smith.

“He was a pedestrian crossing Horseferry Road on foot. He was struck, thrown into the air and obviously injured.”

The impact caused damage to the Mercedes Vita taxi’s bonnet and the windscreen smashed when it made contact with Mr. Smith.

Passers-by gave first aid to the semi-conscious pensioner, who was bleeding heavily.

The post mortem gave the cause of death as “in part” due to the injuries Mr. Smith suffered, coupled with his existing heart condition.

“It is possible both driver and pedestrian have some degree of responsibility. Mr. Smith was not crossing on a zebra or at lights.

“He was there to be seen by any driver on that road. Mr. Amorsingh did not see him at all until he hit him and we say that by itself shows he did not exercise competent, careful driving.”

CCTV cameras outside Channel 4’s HQ captured the incident and show Amorsingh hitting his brakes 0.3 seconds before impact.

“There are at least six seconds after Mr. Smith starts crossing where he is there to be seen by any motorist on the road.

“Mr. Amorsingh says he did not see him at all until a split second before striking him.

“Witnesses at the scene say Mr. Amorsingh was plainly visibly upset and distressed by what happened.”

When asked by police at the scene what happened the cabbie said: “I was driving down the road and he came in front of me and it was too late.

“A cyclist crossed me with no hand signal and then there was a bang.”

Mr. Wakerley added: “He said the incident would have been avoided if Mr. Smith had looked. It was his fault he had been hit.”

Trial continues……….