Minutes:
The Following is a Part 1 summary of the case:
The Licensing Sub-Committee was asked to consider whether Private Hire Driver (Reference 02-18) was a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Private Hire driver licence in Slough.
The Licensing Manager summarised the background to the case and discussed the relevant Policy and Legislative considerations. He advised Members that the Sub-Committee could only allow an Applicant to hold a Licence if it was satisfied that the applicant was a ‘fit and proper’ person to do so.
The Sub-Committee was advised that the Driver was the current holder of both a Private Hire Driver and Vehicle Licence, issued by Slough Borough Council. The matter had been referred to a hearing following two email complaints from members of the public regarding a motor vehicle altercation, involving the Appellant, where it was submitted that he had been aggressive and verbally abusive. The Licensing Manager reminded Members that this was the second incident of a similar nature that had been reported to the Licensing Office, the previous matter which took place in February 2010. Options available to Members were also highlighted.
The Appellant addressed the Sub-Committee, and presented evidence in mitigation. Allegations of being verbally abusive were strongly denied and it was submitted that he was the victim having received verbal abuse from the other parties involved. It was further stated that after the initial incident in October 2018, the Appellant was stopped in November 2018 by the partner of the complainant and an altercation followed. The Appellant stated that he had felt threatened and in his opinion had been targeted because he was a private hire driver.
A Member asked whether the matter in November 2018 had been reported to the police. The Appellant stated that he did not wish to escalate matters but the incident had been witnessed by an individual, who was also present at the meeting and outlined details for Members information.
The Sub-Committee carefully considered all the evidence at its disposal.
Resolved – That Appellant 02-18’s Private Hire Driver licence be suspended for six months.