Minutes:
All parties were welcomed to the meeting and the procedure for the hearing was outlined. The Appellant confirmed that he had received a copy of the paperwork prior to the hearing.
The Licensing Manager detailed the reasons why the matter had been referred to the Sub-Committee and due to the seriousness of the matter, a recommendation to revoke the Appellant’s private hire driver licence was being recommended. It was noted that the Appellant had been arrested on suspicion of being involved in offences of Causing Grievous Bodily Harm, Kidnap and Failure to Stop a Vehicle when required to do so. It was brought to Members attention that in April 2019, criminal proceedings against the Appellant had been closed as the victim no longer supported the prosecution.
Options available were outlined and Members were reminded of the relevant policy and legislation framework.
The Appellant informed the meeting that he had no knowledge of what was about to take place in his vehicle and that he had attempted to help the victim. It was noted that apart from this incident, there had been no other complaints relating to the Appellant in relation to his work as private hire driver (PHD). It was submitted that he should continue to hold a PHD licence as he had no involvement with the incident.
Sub-Committee Members asked a number of questions, including why he had failed to stop when requested to do so by the police. The Appellant explained that the occupants in the vehicle hadn’t allowed him to stop immediately and that he did so as soon as he was able to. The Appellant confirmed that he know one of the occupants but had he known what was about to occur he wouldn’t have provided him with a lift.
Following a brief summary by the Licensing Manager and Appellant, the parties were asked to leave the meeting whilst the Sub-Committee deliberated.
Resolved - That in the interests of public safety Appellant 03-19’s private hire driver licence be revoked with immediate effect in accordance with Section 61(1)(b) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.