Posted on the 5th February 2026 in PHTM News

MAN REFUSED NORTH AYRSHIRE TAXI LICENCE FOR VIOLENT ASSAULT AND SERIOUS MISCONDUCT

A North Ayrshire man has been denied a taxi licence following a "very serious" series of alcohol-fuelled offences that included stamping on a customer's face and assaulting police officers.

Tyler Macauley, a construction worker, saw his application unanimously rejected by the North Ayrshire Licensing Committee on Wednesday, 4 February, after Police Scotland argued he was “not a fit and proper person to have a taxi driver’s licence.”

The committee heard that during an April 2023 altercation at a Prestwick restaurant, Macauley engaged in a fight with a 50-year-old man. After the victim fell and struck his head, Macauley “approached the 50-year-old and stamped on his face with his foot.” 

The violence continued following his arrest, as Macauley resisted officers, used misogynistic slurs, and “repeatedly thrust his buttocks into the groin area of a male officer.” 

Once at Saltcoats Police office, he urinated on the floor and “spat into the face of a male officer,” eventually requiring a three-person team to move him to a cell.

Macauley, who failed to disclose his previous convictions on his application for the taxi licence, claimed his mother had filled out most of the paperwork and he believed the record was spent.

Expressing remorse, he told the committee: “It was not me,” and stated he was “embarrassed and had too much to drink.” He maintained that he has not consumed alcohol since the night of the incident.

Despite his apology, the committee remained firm on public safety. Cllr Donald L Reid emphasised the gravity of the case, stating: “These are very serious charges and we have a duty of care to the public.”


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