Posted on the 26th November 2025 in PHTM News

NORTH AYRSHIRE LICENCE GRANTED TO MAN DESPITE UNDECLARED CONVICTION FOR POLICEMAN ASSAULT

A man convicted of assaulting a police officer has been granted a taxi driver’s licence by North Ayrshire Licensing Committee, after demonstrating remorse for the incident.

Police Scotland had objected to the licence being granted to Greg Davidson following routine checks that revealed a live conviction which he had failed to declare on his application form.

The conviction, dated April 22, 2024, at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, was for an assault committed on December 11, 2022, at Vernon Street, Saltcoats. The incident involved Mr Davidson assaulting a male police constable, struggling with him, pushing him to the ground, and repeatedly punching and attempting to punch him.

The court disposal was a fine of £500 and a victim surcharge of £20.

A police spokesman stated: “The Police Service of Scotland is of the opinion that by reason of the above circumstances the applicant is not a fit and proper person to be granted such a taxi licence.”

Appearing before the committee, Mr Davidson expressed regret, attributing his actions to a difficult period in his life. “I had been separated from my wife and not seen the kids for a wee while, it was quite bad. It is not an excuse it was completely out of character, I apologise for everything I have done. I have not been in trouble since and had not been in trouble before,” he told the committee.

Addressing his failure to declare the conviction, he explained: “I can’t lie, I cannot remember seeing that part, I was trying to do the application quickly, I am not trying to hide anything.”

Councillor Christina Larsen acknowledged his personal improvements, but stressed: “We have high expectations of taxi drivers and expect them to act accordingly when dealing with the public... I expect you to be able to deal with stressful situations in a more productive way as opposed to lashing out at other people.”

Mr Davidson, who expressed being “disgusted” at his past behaviour, stated he had a job lined up if the licence was approved.

A proposal by Cllr Larsen to grant the licence for a period of one year, seconded by Cllr Ronnie Stalker, was unanimously agreed upon by the committee.

Licensing chair Eleanor Collier wished him luck, stating she was encouraged that he had “turned things around and his life was back together.”


Read another story