A French taxi driver was acquitted of stealing from UK minister David Lammy due to lack of evidence after a disputed long-distance journey
LYON: A French taxi driver accused of stealing money and luggage from a senior British government minister has been acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
The 40-year-old driver from Avignon transported David Lammy and his wife over 600 kilometres from Forli in Italy to Flaine in the French Alps on April 11.
Bonneville prosecutor Boris Duffau stated that the journey’s conclusion saw tensions rise regarding the trip’s cost.
The driver subsequently departed with his passengers’ luggage still in his vehicle’s boot.
He returned the bags to a municipal police station the following day according to the magistrate.
This act was nonetheless treated as theft because of the duration the driver retained the possessions.
The driver publicly accused Lammy of refusing payment and alleged violent behaviour occurred.
Britain’s foreign ministry denied any fare refusal and characterised the privately vacationing couple as victims.
The disputed journey cost was reported as 1,550 euros.
Lammy had been in Italy participating in King Charles III’s state visit before the Alpine holiday.
Both individuals submitted legal complaints following the incident.
Only the minister’s complaint resulted in formal charges for theft of cash and personal belongings.
Prosecutor Duffau confirmed the driver’s acquittal stemmed directly from absence of proof.
Lammy now serves as Britain’s justice secretary and deputy prime minister following a September cabinet reshuffle. – AFP
