A TASMANIAN taxi driver has been fined $500 for locking his doors and driving off from a blind passenger with a guide dog. Phil Menzies, who is totally blind, says he was left feeling upset and embarrassed after being denied access to a taxi ordered to Glenorchy last July. Mr Menzies said the incident took place in full public view, as he stood outside a hardware shop near closing time on a Sunday afternoon. Manveen Singh Gujral, 25, was yesterday found guilty of discriminating against a person with a disability who has an assistance animal by refusing them transport. Gujral had pleaded not guilty, but Magistrate Sam Mollard rejected his defence. In addition to the $500 fine, Gujral was ordered to pay court costs of $226. Gujral refused to take Mr Menzies and his family because the taxi company was not told in advance of the guide dog. Mr Menzies was not obliged to do so. "He refused to take us - he just locked his doors and drove off," Mr Menzies said. "It was pretty upsetting and embarrassing because it was witnessed by other people. "It makes you feel really uncomfortable that because of your disability this has happened." Mr Menzies said he hoped the outcome sent a message to other drivers about illegal discrimination. He said it was also important for taxi drivers to realise assistance dogs were not dangerous or aggressive. "They're not going to bite, they're just going to curl up at your feet on the floor and go to sleep," he said. Outside court, Gujral apologised to Mr Menzies and the two shook hands. "I'm sorry for what happened, I was just having a bad day," Gujral said. Mr Menzies said he had no ill feelings towards the driver. "I just hope that even if he is having a bad day in the future, he won't do that again," he said. "I don't want anyone else to go through what I've had to."
Phil Menzies, who is blind, was upset when he was denied access to a taxi. The taxi driver has been fined $500.
A TASMANIAN taxi driver has been fined $500 for locking his doors and driving off from a blind passenger with a guide dog.
Phil Menzies, who is totally blind, says he was left feeling upset and embarrassed after being denied access to a taxi ordered to Glenorchy last July.
Mr Menzies said the incident took place in full public view, as he stood outside a hardware shop near closing time on a Sunday afternoon.
Manveen Singh Gujral, 25, was yesterday found guilty of discriminating against a person with a disability who has an assistance animal by refusing them transport.
Gujral had pleaded not guilty, but Magistrate Sam Mollard rejected his defence.
In addition to the $500 fine, Gujral was ordered to pay court costs of $226.
Gujral refused to take Mr Menzies and his family because the taxi company was not told in advance of the guide dog.
Mr Menzies was not obliged to do so.
"He refused to take us - he just locked his doors and drove off," Mr Menzies said.
"It was pretty upsetting and embarrassing because it was witnessed by other people.
"It makes you feel really uncomfortable that because of your disability this has happened."
Mr Menzies said he hoped the outcome sent a message to other drivers about illegal discrimination.
He said it was also important for taxi drivers to realise assistance dogs were not dangerous or aggressive.
"They're not going to bite, they're just going to curl up at your feet on the floor and go to sleep," he said.
Outside court, Gujral apologised to Mr Menzies and the two shook hands.
"I'm sorry for what happened, I was just having a bad day," Gujral said.
Mr Menzies said he had no ill feelings towards the driver.
"I just hope that even if he is having a bad day in the future, he won't do that again," he said.
"I don't want anyone else to go through what I've had to."
