A GRIEVING father has criticised police for what he claimed was a "shoddy" inquiry into the death of his son.

Keith Lister, whose son Stuart died on May 1, last year, after jumping from Mohammed Riaz Shaban's cab, is considering taking civil action against West Yorkshire Police.

"From the start of the investigation, I felt less than happy with their work. It was simply shoddy," claims Mr Lister, of Shipley.

Stuart was found bleeding profusely at the side of Skipton Road, Steeton, just half a mile from his home in Thornhill Road after a night out in Keighley.

He died from severe head injuries in Leeds General Infirmary four days later.

On Monday Shaban was sentenced by Halifax magistrates for obstructing police in their inquiry and failing to report the accident.

He was ordered to carry out 120 hours community service for both offences, to run concurrently, pay £120 costs, and was banned from driving for a year.

The court had heard how Stuart jumped from the cab by lowering the electric window after Shaban locked the doors because Stuart said he couldn't afford the fare.

"I don't feel there's been a proper police investigation into Stuart's death," claims Mr Lister

"There are a number of things that have angered me, such as things from Stuart's body which are missing and have never been found, such as his wallet," says Mr Lister, a community safety co-ordinator.

He adds that he had also wanted the police to carry out forensic tests on blood found on Stuart's clothing.

Mr Lister said he would be talking to his solicitor about the possibility of taking civil action against West Yorkshire Police. He also said he would be considering taking a civil action against Mr Shaban for false imprisonment of his son, who was locked in the cab.

Stuart's mum, Christine, says "I just feel it's a total sham. I just hope another family doesn't have to go through it and I think taxi drivers shouldn't be allowed to lock passengers inside their cars.

"I can't explain how bad it feels to lose a child, the pain is so intense and it never goes away."

Mrs Lister, manager at the Grouse Inn, Silsden, said the family celebrated Stuart's 18th birthday the week before his death.

"He had a joint party with his sister, Joanne, who was 21, and there were lots of people there. Stuart was full of fun and he would always help out his friends and lend them money and things like that.

"He was a happy person and I remember him saying to me the week before he died 'mum, I don't think I could ever go away because I would miss my family so much'."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police says: "We have fully investigated the matter and put a lot of resources to identify what happened. We used a wide variety of methods including searching CCTV footage and interviewing a large number of witnesses to identify those involved.

"There were also press appeals made by Stuart's mother and brother. A great deal of work was put into this case.

"After discussions with the CPS, we put forward what we felt to be the most appropriate charges, which have led to a successful conviction."

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