Chesterfield mum '˜livid' after taxi driver abandons teenage daughter in the '˜middle of nowhere'

An angry mum is demanding answers after her 18-year-old daughter was '˜abandoned' miles from home by a taxi driver in Chesterfield.
Denise and Rachel Taylor.Denise and Rachel Taylor.
Denise and Rachel Taylor.

Rachel Taylor says she was left ‘alone and vulnerable’ in the early hours of the morning after not having enough money to get home.

Despite assuring the driver she would get the remainder from her parents, he dropped her off in a lay-by off the A61, leaving her ‘distressed’ and unsure of where she was.

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Rachel’s mum, Denise, said: “I am absolutely livid about it - she was left in the middle of nowhere. I was really scared for her.

“I can’t believe in this day and age someone would do such a thing - it is totally irresponsible.

“I want everyone to be aware that they shouldn’t get into taxis on their own and to make sure they have enough money with them when they do.”

Student Rachel left the Tank nightclub in Sheffield at about 1.30am on October 15 and took a black cab at the taxi rank outside the club to bring her home.

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As they approached Chesterfield, she realised she only had £15 with her and told the driver.

He replied that this was not enough and as a result left her in dark, wooded area off the Dronfield bypass.

“We got a call from her, it was pitch black and she didn’t know where she was in relation to home,” says Denise.

“Thankfully, I was able to track her phone and pin-point where she was so I stayed on the phone to her until her dad could reach her.”

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“We have always considered a black cab to be a safe and secure way to come home from a night out but not anymore.”

Denise says she has since contacted Sheffield City Council’s taxi licensing authority to complain about the incident.

The authority said that having reviewed CCTV footage of the entrance to the nightclub, they were unable to identify the cab Rachel got in to.

They told Denise: “I appreciate that this is not the outcome you were hoping for but I would like to thank you again for bringing the incident to our attention.

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“The licensing service is in daily contact with licensed drivers and we are constantly reminding drivers of the standard of behaviour that is expected of them and the sanctions if they do not behave in a fit and proper way.”