Posted on the 8th January 2026 in PHTM News
LIVERPOOL CABBIE AND DAD-OF-SIX SPARED JAIL AFTER POLICE FIND COCAINE STASHED IN SHORTS
A Liverpool private hire driver who turned to drug dealing after losing a £3,000 bet was spared an immediate prison sentence on 7 January, despite being caught with cocaine hidden in his clothing.
Joseph O’Neill, 39, was apprehended by police in Woolton on July 19, 2024, after officers witnessed a suspected transaction outside a pub. Upon being searched, police discovered £590 in cash and a bag containing 12 wraps of cocaine "sticking out of the leg of his shorts."
Confronted by officers, the father-of-six from Norris Green made a candid 11-word admission: "I only did it because I need money for the bills."
He further explained his situation at the scene, stating: "I have six kids... I pass it to the lad. He passes me more stuff. That's how it works. I started last week to get more money." However, investigators later found WhatsApp messages suggesting O'Neill’s involvement in the drug trade dated back to April.
During the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, defence barrister Julian Nutter argued that O'Neill was a "minnow" in the supply chain who had succumbed to the pressure of a class A drug addiction and mounting family stresses.
Describing the defendant’s domestic life as a "horror story," Mr. Nutter highlighted O'Neill’s responsibilities as a carer for a step-daughter with cerebral palsy and a 20-month-old son requiring surgery.
"He has realised what a fool he has been and has been off those drugs since his arrest," Mr. Nutter added. "In my respectful submission, sometimes cases arise where compassion is exceptionally appropriate."
O’Neill pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
While such offences typically carry heavy custodial terms, Recorder David Knifton KC cited O'Neill's previous good character and his vital role as a carer as reasons for leniency.
Handing down a two-year sentence suspended for two years, Recorder Knifton told the defendant: "Those who choose to involve themselves in the supply of class A drugs must, save for in wholly exceptional circumstances, expect to receive substantial sentences.
"You can consider yourself exceptionally fortunate."
O’Neill was also ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work and adhere to a three-month electronically monitored curfew.
Read another story
- JCB DIGGER AND PHV COLLIDE IN BORDESLEY GREEN MAJOR COMMUTER DELAYS REPORTED
The incident occurred at approximately 10:35 am on Thursday, January 8, near the junction of Bordesley Green East and Richmond Road.
- OPERATOR'S HUNCH LED TO WARNING THE POLICE BEFORE WOMAN FELL OFF M66 BRIDGE
The incident, which brought southbound traffic to a standstill near Ramsbottom, occurred after a woman requested a taxi from Fairfield Hospital to a bridge.
- THUG WHO THREATENED TO STRANGLE CABBIE IN LEEDS AND STEALS PHONE, AVOIDS PRISON
A drunken passenger who threatened to strangle a Leeds cabbie before fleeing with his phone has been spared jail, despite leaving his victim too traumatised to continue working in the UK.
- THOUSANDS OF LIVES TO BE SAVED UNDER BOLD NEW ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY
The government has announced its first road safety strategy in over a decade, with a plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035.
- DFT LAUNCHES CONSULTATION ON PROPOSALS TO REDUCE OUT OF AREA WORKING FOR PHVS
The DfT has launched a consultation on proposals to reduce 'out of area' working for PHVs and boost passenger safety - but no mention of driver safety!
- DUNDEE TAXI FARES SET FOR 4.6% HIKE DESPITE CALLS FOR REGIONAL ALIGNMENT
If approved, the new pricing structure would take effect on April 1, marking the second fare hike in less than two years.
- ROTHER CAB DRIVERS FACE CRACKDOWN UNDER PROPOSED PENALTY POINT OVERHAUL
On Monday, January 12, the Rother District Council’s Licensing and General Purposes committee will meet to determine whether to endorse a revised penalty point scheme.
- COLD CASE BREAKTHROUGH: BILSTON MAN CHARGED BUT CASE ADJOURNED IN 2008 TAXI DRIVER MURDER
David Harrison, of Bilston, is charged with the murder of Harun Khan, a 39-year-old father-of-four who was killed outside his home in March 2008.
- 'GHOST PLATES' AND BALD TYRES SEIZED IN LATE-NIGHT WALSALL TAXI CRACKDOWN
A joint taxi/PHV enforcement operation in Walsall town centre uncovered a series of dangerous vehicle defects and illegal modifications, including the discovery of prohibited "ghost plates."
- SURGEON AVOIDS JAIL AFTER HEAD ON DRINK DRIVE SMASH LEAVES CABBIE SERIOUSLY INJURED
Nayer Youakim, 37, a registrar training to be an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) consultant, left a taxi driver with a fractured shoulder, broken arm, and suspected cracked ribs following the crash.
- CHORLEY TAXI BOSS DEMANDS URGENT TRAINING FOR ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR HANDLING
Shaz Malik, chair of the Chorley Taxi Association (CTA) and owner of 4Sixes Taxis, issued the warning after an electric wheelchair tipped backwards on a ramp during loading in Chorley.
- MINICABIT IS NOW PART OF THE CMAC GROUP
This follows signature of an asset purchase agreement on 3 December 2025.
- WELL DONE TO THIS CAMBRIDGE CABBIE FOR HELPING AN ELDERLY LADY WITH DEMENTIA
You see an elderly woman in a taxi at 1.50am, having totted up an £80 fare. The taxi driver is confused. Something doesn’t feel right.
- LEEDS TAXI DRIVERS COLLABORATE TO FUND EXTRA TAXI RANK MARSHALS ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS
Taxi drivers in the city say they fear customers and pedestrians are at risk from traffic, anti-social behaviour and unmarked cars at taxi ranks as they try to make their way home.
- UBER REWRITES CONTRACTS WITH DRIVERS OUTSIDE LONDON TO AVOID PAYING MILLIONS OF POUNDS TO EXCHEQUER
The move came as the rule announced in November’s budget, that PHV operators, such as Uber, will no longer be able to use TOMS to significantly reduce the VAT they pay on fares, came into effect.
- CABBIES: SNOW AND ICE REMINDER
When it comes to defrosting The Highway Code has Rule 229, you must abide by.
- 565 MILLION STILL TO FILE AS THE SELF ASSESSMEMT DEADLINE LOOMS
Thousands of people celebrated the New Year by filing their Self Assessment tax return.
- CABBIE ARRESTED IN LIVERPOOL AFTER SMASHING INTO PARKED VAN AND REVERSING INTO DRIVER
A private hire vehicle reportedly smashed into a parked van on Fincham Road in Huyton on New Year's Eve.
- DUDLEY COUNCIL TAXI COMMITTEE MINUTES REVEAL ASTONISHING PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER LICENCE APPLICATIONS
Minutes from Dudley Council’s Taxi Committee meetings have shed light on some of the more astonishing private hire driver applications considered this year.
- YOUNG WOMAN ADMITS CAUSING DEATH OF TAXI DRIVER AND HIS PASSENGER IN FATAL CRASH
Octavian Codreanu and his passenger Moyra Whelan, 35, were tragically killed and three others were seriously injured in the four-vehicle crash on the B4425 in Gloucestershire on 2 December 2022.
All content Copyright © 2026
Private Hire and Taxi Monthly Limited