Guernsey taxi driver banned for dangerous driving

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 07:55

65-year-old John Robert hit a cyclist while driving and on his mobile, then tried to hide the evidence.

John Robert was driving a taxi whilst on his phone around 6.35pm on 11 November 2024.

He hit a cyclist on the sharp bend by the shingle bank on Route des Sablons in St Peters.

While they waited for an ambulance, Robert removed a dash camera from the vehicle and attempted to conceal it in a hedge at the side of the road.

A police dog found the device, and the footage of Robert looking down at his phone and swerving while driving was recovered.

Robert initially claimed the cyclist was in the middle of the road, then said the vehicle was faulty, and carbon monoxide poisoning had affected his driving.

The video footage and vehicle testing disproved these claims.

Robert pleaded not guilty in March 2025, but changed his plea on 4 June.

The Court sentenced Robert to 140 hours of community service and disqualified him for two and a half years for dangerous driving and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Police say he could have received a five-month prison sentence.

Bailwick Law Enforcement shared this warning online:

"There is no excuse for using your mobile phone while driving.

"Just opening a text for even a few seconds can be long enough to cause a crash.

"Do not take the risk and put others, and yourself, in danger.

"It's one of the fatal five for a reason.

"Guernsey Police are committed to bringing offenders to justice.

"Don’t lie to officers, you will be caught out."