A taxi driver has been accused of stealing a passenger’s mobile phone and dragging him 60m along the road clinging to the vehicle.

Police allege the incident happened after the passenger went inside an address to get cash to pay the fare after an early morning taxi ride home to Adelaide’s eastern suburbs earlier this month.

The alleged victim was injured and taken to hospital after the alleged incident

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A 23-year-old man from Paralowie, in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, has since been charged with theft, cause harm by dangerous driving, leave scene of an accident and failing to report a collision to police.

He also received an instant 12-month instant loss of licence and his car was impounded.

Police said the victim caught a taxi from Adelaide to Klemzig, where he went inside to get cash to pay the fare, about 1.20am on August 10.

Police allege the taxi driver kept the passenger’s phone as he went inside.

When the passenger came back, it is alleged the taxi driver attempted to drive off “at speed” — still in possession of the phone.

Police said the passenger was dragged for about 60m before letting go.

Police said they later identified and charged the driver, who was bailed to appear in Adelaide Magistrates court on October 10. The mobile phone was also recovered, police said.