NSW; Cabbie cleared of crime in relation to death says sorry

AAP General News (Australia)
04-12-1999
NSW; Cabbie cleared of crime in relation to death says sorry

A Sydney cabbie who has been cleared of any crime relating to the death of a passenger he
ran down after the man evaded a $25 fare says he's sorry for what happened to the man.

The New South Wales Supreme Court jury has found SAID MALLAK NOT GUILTY of murder,
manslaughter or dangerous driving causing the death of 39-year-old CARL HIPWELL.

Mr MALLAK, 39, of Smithfield, had pleaded NOT GUILTY to murdering Mr HIPWELL on January 20,
1996, at Rooty Hill in Sydney's west.

Mr HIPWELL and three other men hired the cab in the early hours after drinking at a
Parramatta club, but when they reached their destination they did "a runner" -- rushing off
without paying the fare.

The then part-time cabbie, now hospital worker, told the jury one of the men hit him on the
face and broke his glasses, before the others kicked and banged his car.

Mr MALLAK said he had no intention of hurting anyone, and was just running away for his own
safety.

He said he drove off, but turned around to go back the way he came as he did not know the
area, not seeing Mr HIPWELL on the road until it was too late.

He says he's very sorry for what happened to Mr HIPWELL that night, and he's sorry for the
man's family.

AAP RTV mss/sb/lm/jn

KEYWORD: MALLAK (SYDNEY)

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