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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| 'Cruel' taxi fare dodger hunted | 'Cruel' taxi fare dodger hunted |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| A man who convinced a taxi driver to take him from Newcastle to Central Scotland then ran off without paying is being hunted by police. | A man who convinced a taxi driver to take him from Newcastle to Central Scotland then ran off without paying is being hunted by police. |
| During the four-hour journey from Newcastle Central Station to Banknock, the man ran up a three-figure fare. | |
| After being driven to Hazel Road at about 0200 GMT on 30 December, the man disappeared without paying. | After being driven to Hazel Road at about 0200 GMT on 30 December, the man disappeared without paying. |
| Police appealed for anyone who knows of someone who returned from Newcastle before Hogmanay to get in touch. | Police appealed for anyone who knows of someone who returned from Newcastle before Hogmanay to get in touch. |
| The man responsible was described as being about 17-years-old, 5ft 7in tall with short, brown hair. | The man responsible was described as being about 17-years-old, 5ft 7in tall with short, brown hair. |
| 'Out of pocket' | |
| He was wearing a black jacket or jumper with blue jeans and was carrying a blue holdall. | He was wearing a black jacket or jumper with blue jeans and was carrying a blue holdall. |
| It is understood the fare for the black Skoda Octavia taxi ran to just over £200. | |
| The suspect, who spoke with a Scottish accent, gave the 29-year-old driver assurances that the fare would be paid but then ran off once they arrived at their destination. | |
| Insp Paul Fleming, from Central Scotland Police, said: "This was a cruel act to play on somebody who was trying to make an honest living and who is now considerably out of pocket. | Insp Paul Fleming, from Central Scotland Police, said: "This was a cruel act to play on somebody who was trying to make an honest living and who is now considerably out of pocket. |
| "We are continuing our enquiries into this incident and I am appealing to the public for any information they have that may help the police to solve this crime." | "We are continuing our enquiries into this incident and I am appealing to the public for any information they have that may help the police to solve this crime." |
| He asked anyone with information to contact Denny police on 01786 456000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. | He asked anyone with information to contact Denny police on 01786 456000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. |