​Taxi driver loses second appeal against licence revocation

A taxi driver whose licence was revoked for inappropriate conduct has lost his second court appeal against the decision.

Bury Council’s licensing and safety panel last October revoked Amman Khan Muhammad’s licence to drive a Hackney carriage on the grounds that he was no longer a ‘fit and proper’ person to do so.

The panel had received a complaint from a female passenger that Muhammad had rubbed his groin several times while conveying her on a 15-minute journey. She had also complained to the taxi operator Elton Bullitt, who Muhammad was working for at the time, and Greater Manchester Police.

Muhammad (aged 28) lodged an appeal but this was dismissed in May by Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court who upheld the council’s decision.

He appealed this judgement, but Manchester Crown Court has now dismissed his appeal, agreeing with the reasons given by the council for revoking his licence. The court concluded that, given the over-riding consideration of public safety and the high level of propriety demanded of licence holders, the appellant was not a fit and proper person. He was ordered to pay £1,000 in costs.

Councillor Judith Kelly, cabinet member for corporate affairs and HR, said: “The safety of the public is paramount and we will not allow this to be compromised. We require high standards for all taxi drivers and operators and we will not hesitate in taking action against those who fail to meet those standards. I would also like to thank the complainant who took the time and trouble to report her concerns to the council and give evidence in court which assisted the judge.”

Angela Lomax, Bury’s head of trading standards and licensing, said: “This result highlights the tenacity of the licensing team in ensuring the high standards expected of our driving fleet is maintained. The driver has appealed the licensing and safety panel’s decision twice and each time the appeal has been dismissed by the court.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 28 September 2018.