A TAXI driver was today cleared of dangerous driving after he pulled away from an Oxford nightclub with a woman clinging to his car.

Private-hire driver Mohammed Alam drove off from the Regal, in Cowley Road, as Rebecca Sugden reached through the passenger-side front window to remonstrate with another woman she had accused of taking her taxi.

Jurors at Oxford Crown Court heard Miss Sugden was dragged about 200 yards before she lost her grip and fell off, suffering cuts and grazes.

She needed four stitches to a head wound.

Mr Alam, who always denied the charge, did not give evidence at the trial but told police he was acting to protect his passengers and his car in the incident, which happened at on November 2, 2008.

Outside court, 28-year-old Mr Alam, of Parsons Place, East Oxford, said: “It’s a big relief.”