Issue - meetings

To consider a confidential report (to be circulated at the meeting) regarding the revocation of a hackney carriage and private hire vehicle drivers licence in respect of Driver No. 047224.

RESOLVED that the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence issued to Driver No. 047224 be revoked on public safety grounds.

A confidential report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection Services was circulated at the meeting recommending the licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles issued to Driver No. 047224 be immediately revoked in the interests of public safety.  The facts of the case were presented as follows –

(i)            information having been received regarding the arrest of Driver No. 047224 arising from allegations involving controlled substances and serious sexual misconduct relating to a young person;

(ii)          details relating to the allegations having subsequently been received from North Wales Police who were carrying out an investigation into the claims, and

(iii)         Driver No. 047224 had been invited to attend the meeting in support of his licence review and to answer members’ questions thereon.

The Licensing Enforcement Officer (HB) presented the report and confirmed that the Driver was not present despite being invited to attend.  In response to questions members were advised that no further details could be disclosed in light of the ongoing Police investigation into the allegations.  The Head of Legal and Democratic Services provided a legal viewpoint on the situation including grounds for suspension and revocation.  After deliberation it was –

RESOLVED that the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence issued to Driver No. 047224 be revoked on public safety grounds.

The reasons for the Licensing Committee’s decision were as follows –

Members considered the facts of the case and expressed concern regarding the serious nature of the allegations and the fact that the Police were actively pursuing an investigation.  In order to preserve public safety members decided to revoke the licence with immediate effect.