A teenager died after jumping from a taxi to avoid paying his fare, a court heard today.

Stuart Lister, 18, of Thornhill Road, Steeton, was travelling home in a cab on May 1 1999 after a night out when the accident happened.

Taxi driver Mohammed Riaz Shaban, 23, of View Road, Utley, Keighley, appeared before Halifax magistrates today charged with failing to report an accident and obstructing police. He denies both charges.

Richard Firth, prosecuting, said: "It was a tragic and unexplained accident. The party who was injured was an 18-year-old man." He said Shaban was taking Mr Lister home in his cab but was told he could not afford the £5.20 fare.

The court heard Shaban offered to take him home for the cash. He then decided to take Mr Lister to Keighley Police Station. The accident happened when Mr Lister allegedly jumped from the taxi on Skipton Road outside Aireburn Garage.

In a statement read out in court, Shaban said he did not believe Mr Lister was injured when he jumped from his taxi.

The case continues.

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