Posted on the 14th November 2025 in PHTM News

MAN WHO CLASHED WITH POLICE AND FILMED DANCERS DENIED ABERDEEN TAXI LICENCE

A man convicted of assault, aggressive behaviour, and swearing at police and stewards in an Aberdeen strip club has been denied a taxi driver’s licence by North Ayrshire Licensing Committee.

James Murray’s application was refused on Wednesday, November 12, following an objection from Police Scotland, who confirmed he had a “live conviction” that he had failed to declare.

The incident took place on July 16, 2024, at Private Eye’s, an adult entertainment venue. Stewards were alerted that Mr Murray was filming dancers, which was against venue rules. After initially complying, he was later approached again for filming and “became aggressive and shouted: ‘I am a f***ing police officer.’”*

A Police Scotland spokesman detailed the confrontation:

  • “He grabbed the steward by the collar and tried to take the radio off his jacket.”

  • When police arrived, Mr Murray “refused” to step outside and was escorted out, “continually shouting and swearing, calling them "f***ing c***s  and police scum.’”

  • During his arrest, he “grabbed one of the officers by the body armour and pulled him forward, stating: ‘I will show you what resisting is’.”

Mr Murray was subsequently convicted on July 9, 2025, at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, receiving fines totalling £490 plus a victim surcharge.

Police Scotland objected to the licence, stating: “We believe by reason of the above Mr Murray is not a fit and proper person to be granted a taxi driver’s licence.”

Mr Murray did not appear before the committee. Councillor Christina Larsen found this “disappointing,” and committee Chair Eleanor Collier noted it was a “relatively serious matter” and that refusing the application would “safeguard the public.”

The refusal was proposed and seconded on the grounds that he was “not a fit and proper person” to hold a taxi licence in North Ayrshire, a decision which was agreed by the committee.


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