Blind man could face insurance claim from taxi driver who reversed into HIS guide dog

Mike Gurney, who lives in Deanshanger, was shopping in nearby Stony Stratford when the taxi knocked into the side of his German Shepherd, Emma.

Shocked 69-year-old Mike felt Emma fall against his leg and reached out to feel the boot of a car.

He says he thumped it twice and yelled for the driver to stop.

Now, ironically, his action could land him in trouble – with an insurance claim from the cabbie for allegedly causing a dent to his taxi.

Mike rushed Emma to a vet after the August Bank Holiday weekend incident.

The dog suffered bruising and has now physically recovered.

But Mike is worried the mental trauma could affect her career as a guide dog.

“She is only 22 months old and the accident happened five-and-a-half weeks after I had her. It could have a devastating effect,” he said.

Police originally told Mike they would prosecute the cabbie for driving without due care and attention. But this week he received a call saying there would be no charge because it was “a legal manoeuvre”.

Said Mike: “How can it be legal to reverse onto a pavement and hit a guide dog?”

A police spokesman said: “We understand this was an upsetting incident for all those involved.

“Fortunately neither the pedestrian or the driver were injured, although the dog did sustain minor injuries.

“Police have spoken to all those involved about the incident and the driver was given a verbal warning and advice.

“Following an investigation by TVP the decision was made that no action will be taken against the driver.

“If the owner of the dog is unhappy with the outcome he can of course make a formal complaint to us and we can look into it.”