Taxi driver acquitted over the tragic death of student

A York Taxi driver has been acquitted over the tragic death of 21 year old student, Robert Stephenson. Mr Stephenson was out drinking in Yorks city centre before he staggered into the road to lay down. Frank Norman, 71, a taxi driver of 30 years thought Stephenson was a bin bag and it wasn't until it was to late to avoid driving over him that he finally realised it was a person laying in the road. Stephenson died from his injuries. He was in his last year at Newcastle University studying an agricultural degree. A trust fund set up in his memory has already raised more than £100,000 to help young people participate in sport. The verdict, which took place at York Crown Court, was reached unanimously. Immediately afterwards, Judge Paul Batty QC said: "The court would wish to pay tribute to the quiet dignity of Robert's family during the currency of these proceedings and the court acknowledges their obvious grief and abiding loss of one so loved" reported the York Press