A DISABLED passenger almost ended up under the wheels of a taxi when his journey came to a terrifying end outside his house after a quiet night out.

Former businessman James Christopher, aged 55, escaped serious injury, but was left bleeding on the floor following the bizarre incident which is being investigated by police.

Shocked Mr Christopher, of Lea Road, Whittle-le-Woods, is now too frightened to leave his home alone and even too upset to talk about the nightmare which his wife claims was malicious.

Joan Christopher said her husband was simply climbing out of the taxi when it reversed very quickly.

He was sent crashing to the floor after being struck by the rear door and was then dragged along the kerb.

She said: "He caught the taxi from the rank next to the bus station. Immediately, the driver asked James if he had enough money for his fare. James said yes.

"The same question was asked three times on the journey home. After James paid, he was climbing out of the car when he asked the driver why he didn't believe him when he said he had the fare.

"Without a word of warning, the driver sped off, sending James crashing to the floor.

"The taxi waited at the end of the road, revving his engine until he saw James get up. Then he sped off and left."

Mrs Christopher is now struggling to nurse her husband back to health, adding that the incident has left him psychologically wrecked.

She added: "My husband has sustained dreadful injuries and it has upset all of his friends and family.

"Anybody who knows James would be amazed at how badly he has been affected by this."

Mr Christopher, who suffered shoulder injuries, has only left the house since to visit the doctor.

The taxi driver, who has not been named by police or council officials, currently holds a hackney carriage licence to operate in the Chorley borough.

A meeting of the council's licensing sub-committee is due to discuss the incident next Monday, March 16.

Mr and Mrs Christopher and the taxi driver have been asked to attend.

Chorley Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact them on 269021.

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