A 47-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of the murder of 55-year-old Mark Ward in Dundee.

Steven Greig was previously charged with assault to serve injury after seriously assaulting Mr Ward, however he was convicted of his murder on Wednesday, 29 January, 2025 at the High Court in Dundee.

He was sentenced to life at the High Court in Edinburgh today, Thursday 10 April, 2025.

He must serve a minimum term of 16 years.

On Wednesday, 6 April, 2022 Mark Ward was working as a taxi driver when he was seriously assaulted by Greig on Couper Angus Road. He was taken to hospital where he died as a result of his injuries on Wednesday, 5 April, 2023.

Detective Inspector Craig Kelly said: “Mark Ward endured a violent and unprovoked attack as he was going about a normal working day. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends who have also suffered immensely because of Greig’s brutal actions. We hope his sentencing today will bring them some form of comfort.

“Thankfully crimes like these are extremely rare in our communities. When such incidents take place, we will use every resource at our disposal to ensure we track down those responsible and bring them to justice.”

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Bradford Metropolitan District Council has voted to eliminate the "knowledge test" for new taxi drivers, citing the prevalence of satellite navigation systems.

However, the decision made amidst a packed Bradford City Hall meeting on Thursday 10 Apri, has sparked a heated debate, particularly regarding mandatory vehicle markings and driver safety.

The council assures that drivers will still receive training on key city landmarks. But a contentious point remains: the requirement for taxis to display licensing stickers and company names.

Raja Khan, a private hire driver, voiced serious concerns, stating: "We're seeing an increase in private hire vehicles being targeted and vandalised, with windows being smashed. It is unsafe because vehicles are easily identified."

He also highlighted the abuse drivers face due to these markings.

Khan argued that modern technology, such as apps and text messages, provides passengers with vehicle and driver details, negating the need for visible decals. "Other drivers are subject to abuse because we have stickers on our cars," he added.

However, Councillor Shakeela Lal expressed safety concerns from a passenger's perspective. "I wouldn't feel safe getting into a taxi without any markings on," she stated. "I'd wonder how official they were."

Lal also acknowledged the existence of "no-go areas for Asian taxi drivers," further highlighting the complex safety issues involved.

The council's hackney carriage and private hire licensing manager countered that not all operators possess the technology to provide passenger details electronically, and that public feedback indicated a preference for visible decals. "When we speak to the public, they tell us they want to see decals," they said.

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Nantwich police, in collaboration with Cheshire East Council, conducted a major operation over the weekend of April 4-5, targeting unlicensed and unsafe taxi operators in Nantwich and Crewe.

Dubbed "Operation Withdraw," the initiative aimed to ensure public safety and the compliance of taxi drivers with regulations.

The operation, involving multiple police units and council officials, saw officers inspecting over 100 taxis, including those operating at Crewe Railway Station.

Checks focused on driver licensing, vehicle safety, and the functionality of essential equipment like CCTV cameras and lights.

Sgt Matthew Stonier of Crewe Local Policing Unit emphasised the operation's goal, stating: "Operation Withdraw was launched...in order to combat unlicensed passenger vehicles. The aim of the operation is to provide reassurance to those using taxis that they are safe to use and road worthy with enforcement action being taken where appropriate."

He also expressed satisfaction with the high level of compliance observed, noting: "It was really reassuring to see that so many of the taxis that operate in our area were compliant with the appropriate legislation."

Stonier further affirmed the police's commitment to supporting legitimate taxi drivers and ensuring passenger safety, saying: "Our officers will continue to support the legitimate taxi drivers in Cheshire East and ensure those enjoying a day out here can return home safely."

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A man was left with serious injuries after he and another man jumped from a moving taxi in Sheffield city centre.

It is claimed the men jumped out of the vehicle “after the driver allegedly began making threats towards them”. 

The incident took place on Trippet Lane in Sheffield city centre at around 11.32pm on Saturday, December 28, 2024. However, South Yorkshire Police only released details of the incident on Wednesday, 9 April.

A force spokesperson said: “One of the men sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital. He has since been discharged.

“Officers investigating the incident are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward to aid the investigation.

“Were you in the area at the time and witnessed the incident?”

The force has been asked to provide further details on the incident, including a description of the driver alleged to have been involved and the car.

You can pass information to police via their online portal or by calling 101.

You can access their online portal here: www.southyorkshire.police.uk/ro/report

Please quote investigation number 14/228725/24 when you get in touch.

Call their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or complete a simple and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

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It's official! Veezu is the new name for Aqua Cars in Portsmouth, Andi Cars in Havant, Bridge Cars in Gosport and Fareham Cars in Fareham!

• Same local telephone numbers

• Same friendly voices at the end of the phone

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