A GRAVESEND man has denied murdering a taxi driver by running him over in his own cab.
Luke Aujila has already pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 71-year-old Gian Chand Bajar and to perverting the course of justice.
But the 21-year-old, of no fixed address, has denied murdering Mr Bajar and claimed what happened was a tragic accident.
Maidstone Crown Court heard yesterday (May 7) that Aujila attacked Mr Bajar after an argument broke out while he was a passenger in the victim's taxi on May 23 last year.
It is alleged the two men got out of the car and Aujila knocked Mr Bajar to the ground and kicked him.
Aujila then allegedly got into Mr Bajar's taxi and ran over the owner as he drove away in it.
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Mr Bajar, who was a respected member of the local Sikh community, died in hospital later the same night.
Prosecuting, Alan Kent said: "After the assault, the defendant got into Mr Bajar's taxi, this time on the driver's side.
"He attempted to make a three-point turn but was unable to do so.
"He drove to the end of the cul-de-sac, turned the car around and then he drove straight at and over the prone body, causing extensive and, as it turns out, fatal injuries."
Mr Kent also said that after Aujila had killed Mr Bajar, he attempted to destroy the evidence by setting fire to the taxi.
The attack is alleged to have taken place after Aujila had spent the afternoon and evening drinking.
Two members of Aujila's family, his mother Annette, 42, of Dorchester Road, Gravesend, and his brother Thomas, 25, of Gordon Road, Northfleet, have pleaded guilty to offences arising out of the incident.
They have both admitted perverting the course of justice by helping to dispose of clothes.
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