Taxi driver sues Police Scotland after attempted murder arrest

Scott Troy, 43, claims he was wrongfully arrested after picking up four men in Pollok, Glasgow, in August 2023 as part of a routine fare.

It later emerged that members of the group had been involved in an attempted murder which left a man with what police described as “lifechanging injuries”.

Mr Troy was arrested 12 days later but told officers he had no knowledge of the attack.

After spending 10 months in Barlinnie on remand, prosecutors accepted a plea of not guilty and he was released.

Mr Troy has now raised an action against Police Scotland at the Court of Session. Represented by Digby Brown, he is seeking a six-figure sum in damages for alleged psychological harm and the impact on his personal and professional life, as well as an apology.

He said: “That night I was just doing my usual shift. I had no idea things were going to pan out the way they did. It really was the wrong place at the wrong time.

“When I picked up the four men I didn’t even think anything untoward was going on. The first I knew of any wrongdoing was when the police came to my house and cuffed me on the spot.

“I was completely innocent and I pleaded with the officers but they wouldn’t hear it.”

He added: “There was so much evidence to prove I was innocent. They even checked with my boss at the taxi rank who manages the bookings so the police knew I was just sent there by chance.”

Teresa Mutapi, partner at Digby Brown, said: “Mr Troy was fulfilling his duty as a taxi driver by responding to a booking and had no way of knowing who his passengers were.

“He should not have been arrested, charged or jailed and basic investigatory steps would have confirmed this.

“Mr Troy deserves to have his name cleared and be compensated for his suffering, and we will continue to support him accordingly as the case progresses.”