A CABBIE has denied attacking another taxi driver who later died of head injuries.

An inquest heard how Michael D'Aranjo, of Portland Road, Penge, had become involved in an altercation with Albert Harrison, aged 70, at Victoria station taxi rank.

But D'Aranjo told Westminster Coroner's Court he tried to prevent Harrison from falling.

Harrison, of Kentford Way, Northholt, was seen lying in the road by passers-by who tended to him. He was taken to National Hospital, Queens Square, but deteriorated and died on July 30, 2002.

Dr Vesna Djurovic, who carried out the post mortem, said Harrison had suffered a complex fracture of the skull as the result of a heavy fall which seemed to have had some impetus behind it.

Police found a mobile phone at the scene they traced to D'Aranjo.

D'Aranjo told the inquest Harrison was parked in the cab behind his and approached him on July 24.

In his initial statement D'Aranjo told police: "He said I've been waiting behind you like a lemon'."

D'Aranjo said he followed Harrison to explain he was on a break but the man stumbled and fell.

Coroner Dr Paul Knapman recorded an open verdict.

April 29, 2003 10:30