NELSON - Three young men appeared in the Nelson District Court yesterday charged with robbing a taxi driver after police used pictures taken by a camera mounted in the cab.
Tom Rawiri Curtis, aged 17, unemployed, of Nelson, Hemi Hoani Curtis, 17, unemployed, of Christchurch, and DanielFairlie Matheson, 17, unemployed, of no fixed abode, were remanded in custody by Judge Pat Grace.
A fourth youth was referred to the Youth Court.
Detective Sergeant Wayne McCoy said the camera activated by the woman driver during the violent attack on Sunday had captured pictures of four teenagers.
Police then worked door-to-door to identify them.
The national secretary of the Taxi Federation, Gavin Dobie, said the cameras had been available in this country for about two years, but only a small number of drivers used them.
The federation might use the attack to promote them to drivers.
"It does not prevent an assault, but it will deter criminals," Mr Dobie said.
"The more taxis that have these, the more the criminal fraternity will think they will be photographed."
Police say a chain was thrown around the driver's neck and she was dragged to the back seat, suffering bruises and a black eye.
Her wallet, containing $5, was stolen but later recovered without the cash.
