A private hire vehicle (PHV) driver in Bolton had his licence renewal application rejected by Bolton Council's licensing committee after considering an allegation of sexual assault against a female passenger.
The committee deliberated on the application and took into account a complaint from September 27, 2022. The details of the allegation, as set out in a report to the panel, stated that the passenger woke up to a horrifying situation: "The passenger passed out in the vehicle, upon coming around, the driver was on top of her, grabbing and licking her breasts.
"When the passenger managed to get out of the vehicle, she noticed her belt was undone as well as the button and zip on her trousers."
The applicant denied the allegations, but the committee “found the allegations to be credible and were concerned for those who travel alone in his vehicle.”
In coming to their unanimous decision to reject the application, the panel also considered:
Twelve previous complaints recorded by his private hire operator.
The fact that he had allegedly disregarded warnings given to him in 2021 and 2022.
Previous breaches of his licence conditions before its expiry.
The hearing proceeded in the applicant's absence after he made a second request for adjournment and failed to attend, despite being informed in writing that the matter would be heard without him.
While the driver was reported as "uninjured," the "taxi was damaged" during the event.
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The committee heard that the driver, who was not named, had failed to notify the council of her initial arrest and charges within the required 48 hours.
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Leeds taxi and private hire licensing enforcement officers investigated and prosecuted Bradford licensed private hire driver, Aqib Hussain, for plying for hire and having no insurance.
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