In early April, a confrontation between a taxi driver and a parking attendant on Kanalgatan near Guldtorget in central Skellefteå was captured by surveillance cameras.
The footage shows the taxi driver approaching the attendant who attempts to issue a parking ticket. When the driver refuses to accept the ticket, the attendant tries to place it under the windshield wiper. The driver then pushes the attendant away before entering his vehicle and driving off, with the side of the car striking the parking official.
During the recent trial at Skellefteå District Court, the driver claimed the attendant had grabbed his hand during the interaction. He stated he was merely trying to take the ticket and move away from the attendant, which explained the push. The driver also insisted he hadn't noticed the car making contact with the official.
In his defense, the driver argued he shouldn't have received a ticket because "all taxis park there to pick up customers," and denied criminal intent.
The court, however, sided with the prosecution, convicting the driver of assaulting a public official "with both hands and with a car." He was sentenced to pay 40 day-fines.
Stefan Rönnlund, CEO of Skellefteå Taxi where the driver is employed, expressed regret over the incident:
– It goes completely against our guidelines and principles.
Rönnlund confirmed that "internal disciplinary measures" have been taken and a final decision on the driver's employment is forthcoming.
– We cannot have drivers who are convicted of such crimes. My immediate reaction is therefore that the driver, in all likelihood, has worked his last day under Skellefteå Taxi's management, Rönnlund stated.
When asked how the company would prevent similar incidents, he responded:
– Our drivers know that this type of behaviour goes against our principles. Everyone is an individual, so it is not possible to completely guard against anything happening again. But we are clear that we do not condone this behaviour.