A taxi driver has been convicted and fined for careless driving after a young man who twice leapt on to his car bonnet, fell off and broke his leg.

Kenneth Wayne Walker, 47, faced a hearing in Maroochydore Magistrates Court last month after pleading not guilty to driving without due care and attention and failing to supply his details after an accident.

The magistrate, who reserved his decision for three weeks, has found Mr Walker guilty of careless driving but discharged him on the other alleged offence.

He fined Mr Walker $450 but did not disqualify his licence, or record a conviction.

The court heard last month that Mr Walker had been called to Benalla Street in Warana about 12.30am on April 21 to pick up Karen Grimely, 22.

Shaun Williams, 25, told the court that he called out to the taxi driver to wait because he wanted to talk to Ms Grimley, his girlfriend.

He said the car was creeping forward so he jumped on the bonnet.

Mr Williams, who allegedly had no shirt on, got off the bonnet at Mr Walker’s request but said he jumped back on because he thought the driver was going to hit him.

He said the taxi driver accelerated and swerved from left to right while Mr Williams was on the bonnet.

Mr Williams said he thought he had jarred his leg or twisted his knee when he came off but discovered he had a fractured tibia after an x-ray a few days later.

Mr Walker told the court he felt threatened by the actions of Mr Williams.

He said he did not go faster than about 15kmh but admitted he did swerve a couple of times.

http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2007/sep/18/cabbie-fined-reckless-driving/