SHAME SHAME
PH DRIVER ARRESTED IN LIVERPOOL AFTER SMASHING INTO PARKED VAN AND REVERSING INTO DRIVER
A private hire driver reportedly smashed into a parked van in Huyton on New Year's Eve. The owner of the van then approached the driver of the car to remove his keys, but the car reversed into him, knocking him to the ground and he sustained a minor head injury and was taken to hospital. Merseyside Police were called to
the scene shortly after 9.05pm and stopped the private hire vehicle and detained the driver. A 41-year-old man from Toxteth was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, careless driving and failing to stop after a collision. He was taken into custody and then conditionally bailed. Roads Policing Chief Inspector Stuart McIver said: “When drivers
get behind the wheel of a vehicle having drunk too much alcohol or taken drugs, they take a huge risk with the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists, as well as themselves. “I want to take this opportunity to commend the actions of the van owner who recognised the suspect had potential to cause further harm and tried to stop him."
LIVERPOOL CABBIE AND DAD-OF-SIX SPARED JAIL AFTER POLICE FIND COCAINE STASHED IN SHORTS
A Liverpool private hire driver who turned to drug dealing after losing a £3,000 bet was spared an immediate prison sentence on 7 January,
despite being caught
with cocaine hidden in his clothing. Joseph O’Neill, 39, was appre- hended by police in Woolton on July 19, 2024, after officers witnessed a suspected transaction outside a pub. Upon being searched, police discovered £590 in cash and a bag containing 12 wraps of cocaine “sticking out of the leg of his shorts.” Confronted by officers, the father- of-six from Norris Green made a candid 11-word admission: “I only did it because I need money for the bills.” He further explained his situation at the scene, stating: “I have six kids... I pass it to the lad. He passes me more stuff. That’s how it works. I started last week to get more money.” However,
investigators
later found WhatsApp messages suggesting O’Neill’s involvement in
54
“In my respectful submission, sometimes cases arise where compassion is exceptionally appropriate.” O’Neill pleaded guilty
to
the drug trade dated back to April. During the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, defence barrister Julian Nutter argued that O’Neill was a “minnow” in the supply chain who had succumbed to the pressure of a class A drug addiction and mounting family stresses. Describing the defendant’s domestic life as a “horror story,” Mr. Nutter highlighted O’Neill’s responsibilities as a carer for a step-daughter with cerebral palsy and a 20-month-old son requiring surgery. “He has realised what a fool he has been and has been off those drugs since his arrest,” Mr. Nutter added.
possession of cocaine with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. While such offences typically carry heavy custodial terms, Recorder David Knifton KC cited O’Neill’s previous good character and his vital role as a carer as reasons for leniency.
Handing down a two-year sentence suspended for two years, Recorder Knifton told the defendant: “Those who choose to involve themselves in the supply of class A drugs must, save for in wholly exceptional circumstances, expect to receive substantial sentences. “You can consider yourself exceptionally fortunate.” O’Neill was also ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work and adhere to a three-month electronically monitored curfew.
FEBRUARY 2026 PHTM
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