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Posted on the 4th February 2025 in PHTM News
TRURO CABBIE HAILED A HERO AFTER CONFRONTING TEENS HARASSING HOMELESS MEN
A Truro taxi driver who was filmed driving towards a group of teenagers he believed were intimidating homeless men has been lauded as a "hero" for his actions, despite admitting his methods might have appeared aggressive.
Stephen Rowe, of KC Taxis, spoke to Cornwall Live after the incident on Boscawen Street around 5:40 pm on January 19. Video footage shows Rowe driving erratically towards the group, beeping his horn as they scattered, before he exited his vehicle to shout at them.
Rowe explained that he was attempting to disperse a group of up to 15 youths who he said were “threatening” two vulnerable homeless individuals.
While acknowledging that it might have looked like he drove directly at the teens, he insisted he was manoeuvering to a safe stopping point nearby.
"I would do it again. I would do it over and over again if it stopped teenagers beating someone up," Rowe stated.
He said he repeatedly told the teens to “back off” and leave the visibly scared homeless men alone. Rowe also confirmed that he reported the incident to police after dropping off his passenger and later spoke with an officer to explain the situation.
Rowe's actions have garnered significant support on Cornwall Live's Facebook page. One commenter wrote: "I first thought, OMG, the taxi driver is a nutter, but once I read it he is a hero. We need more people like him. Well done.”
Another added: "Well done to the taxi driver. It was brave of him to intervene as the mob may have turned on him."
A third commenter praised Rowe's timely intervention, suggesting that waiting for the police might have allowed the situation to escalate. "Stephen Rowe acted in a timely manner with enough action to get their attention away from bullying the other people," she wrote.
Adding to the chorus of support, Rowe's wife, Natalie, expressed her pride in her husband.
"The driver is my husband and I am b***** proud of him for stepping in and not letting another situation unfold like previously where homeless people in Truro got very badly beaten up," she commented.
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