Murder, violence, drugs: the reasons for Sefton taxi drivers’ bans A SHOCKING catalogue of crimes led to more than 30 taxi drivers losing their trading licences.
From murder to carrying an axe in their vehicle, 33 drivers committed crimes serious enough to cost them their jobs between 2009 and 2012.
The figures represent a tiny proportion of Sefton borough’s taxi drivers, who have to pass stringent checks when applying for taxi licences.
Earlier this year, Southport taxi driver Andrew Flood was jailed for a minimum of 30 years after pleading guilty to the murders of pensioners Anne Leyland and Margaret Biddolph in February.
The gambling addict also admitted the robbery of a third pensioner – Maureen Suckley – two days before the murders.
A Visiter investigation after Flood’s sentencing revealed he was one of a handful of drivers to have had his taxi licence revoked for violent offences.
While none were as serious as Flood’s appalling crimes, two drivers were banned for assault – including one driver who assaulted another taxi driver. A third driver had his licence revoked for battery.
Another driver was found with an axe and craft knife in his vehicle, while one lost his licence for being abusive to the police.
Drug offences also cost taxi drivers their jobs, with seven licences cancelled for either cultivating, using or supplying drugs. Six drivers were disqualified for offences committed behind the wheel, such as drink or dangerous driving. Furthermore, another driver was convicted of sexually assaulting a female under the age of 16.
The figures, revealed through the Freedom of Information Act, account for taxi drivers in Sefton having their licences revoked between March 1, 2009, and March 1, 2012. The 33 taxi drivers represent a fraction of the 3,372 private hire and Hackney Carriage drivers who held licences on March 22, 2012.
Anybody who wants to be a taxi driver has to apply through Sefton Council, who check the criminal records of applicants.
While a previous conviction is not necessarily enough to bar an applicant from being granted a licence, a variety of convictions can prevent a licence being granted.
Applicants will have to mitigate for a licence if sought within five years of being convicted of: violence; threatening behaviour or harassment; possession or supply of controlled drugs; any indecency- related matter; two or more matters related to drink/drugs while driving;
Within three years for: dishonesty; abuse of position of trust/ dishonesty in employment;
Within two years for: single drink/drug while driving related matters;
Within a year for most driving/ taxi trade offences.
Sefton Council’s licence application guidelines also state if a taxi driver commits a serious offence the driver’s “licence will fall to be reconsidered and the licence can be suspended temporarily or permanently revoked.”
As well as the checks imposed by the council, many taxi firms implement their own checks to make sure drivers pose no threat to their passengers.
After Flood’s sentencing in July, Alan Campbell, a senior partner in Central Cabs, Flood’s former employer, said: “We watch them (drivers) carefully for the first month.
“We have a simple yardstick rule of no-no’s – fast women, slow horses, drink.
“Any one of those penchants make any person unfit to drive a taxi.”
source:
http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/south ... -31868438/
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