
A former Birmingham taxi driver, Peter King, 72, has been convicted of 15 sex offences, including multiple counts of rape and indecent assault, after preying on and grooming three girls as young as six in the 1990s and early 2000s.
King, who had a flat in Highgate, Birmingham, used his black cab to lure and transport his victims, aged between six and 15.
The court heard he exploited the girls by offering them "pocket money and gifts," and taking them on swimming trips, day trips, and even holidays, while also buying them clothing and food.
One girl he abused became pregnant by him at age 15 and later had a termination.
The jury at Birmingham Crown Court delivered the guilty verdict on Friday, October 31, bringing justice for the victims who bravely came forward years later to aid the investigation by West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit (PPU).
Detective Investigating Officer Liz Weston, from the PPU, commented on the gravity of King's actions. "This has been a long and complex investigation into the abuse of young girls who were groomed by King. He preyed upon them when they were at their most vulnerable," she said.
"He took advantage of their own personal circumstances and gave them pocket money, bought them gifts, clothing and food and took them on day trips and holidays. He tried to portray that he was a good man who cared for them, but the jury saw through those lies."
DI Weston commended the victims, now women, stating: "I’m pleased that the women he abused as children all those years ago have finally received the justice they so deserve. I commend their bravery in being able to speak out and share their stories."
She also encouraged others to seek help, adding: "I would ask anyone who has encountered similar experiences, or any kind of abuse, historically or recently, to speak to the police.”
King, of Malin Close, Southampton, was remanded into custody following the conviction and awaits sentencing on Monday, January 12.

The decision, made by the council’s general licensing committee, dictates that all newly licensed private hire and hackney carriages must carry card readers from December 2025.

The council had voted in June to block the fare rise, despite earlier proposals to increase the initial charge of a journey from £4.00 to £4.50 and the cost per additional 130 yards from 20p to 25p.

Until now, cabbies were only required to pass a test when first applying for a licence. The updated policy, which comes into force on 1 January 2026, means drivers will need to complete the test at every other licence re

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On Monday, October 27, Victor Whitham pleaded guilty to operating a private hire vehicle without a private hire operator's licence.

If implemented, the increase would be the first fare rise in three years and would see Exeter's rates become the most expensive in Devon.

The move signals potential tough competition for human drivers who have historically formed the backbone of the ride-hailing giant.

Taxi fare increases of up to 20 per cent approved by Midlothian councillors have been suspended after local operators filed an appeal with the UK Government Traffic Commissioner.

A dramatic moment in Clermiston has been captured on video showing a quick-thinking Edinburgh taxi driver stop a runaway delivery van as it sped down a residential street.

A report before the city’s transport meeting next Thursday asks councillors to look at opening up bus lanes to PHVs and calls for a review of all current bus gates.

Scott Hamilton, 36, punched the driver, smashed a car window, and ripped off the rear-view mirror following a night out on May 20, 2023.

The council is asking residents, drivers, and businesses to complete a survey to address local concerns about passenger and driver safety.

Mohamed Abid Hussain told the passenger she could not bring "her pet" into his vehicle, despite the animal wearing a high-vis harness. 

A joint operation by Police Scotland and Highland Council Trading Standards in Inverness has resulted in multiple warnings being issued to taxi and PH drivers for various licence breaches.

The driver, who works for Four Sixes taxi company, was suspended after a passenger's electric wheelchair fell backwards while attempting to ascend a ramp into the taxi. 

Laura Oxburgh, head of on-island travel and transport implementation, said feedback showed the difficulty in identifying vehicles and drivers when customers needed to complain. 

Addressing the council’s Licensing and Safety Committee on October 23, Manoj Lacximicant of the Bracknell Hackney Taxi Association painted a bleak picture of the industry.

A draft of the new Hackney Carriage and PH Licensing Policy for 2025 to 2030 was presented to the Licensing Committee on October 27, with an aim to reverse the decline in licensed taxis.

Ali Imran Shan Shreen, 55, from Oldham, was spotted by Trafford Council Licensing Enforcement Officers on Sir Alex Ferguson Way after the Reds' match against Brentford.
