Judge questions why cabbie on grope charge is allowed to carry on driving taxiA crown court judge questioned why a taxi driver alleged to have fondled a female passenger is still in the job.
Judge Rhys Rowlands told Mold Crown Court that he knew Mohammed Azizi had not been convicted of a crime.
But he asked why Wrexham County Borough Council felt it appropriate to allow him to continue to hold a taxi badge until the case was finished.
Azizi, 43 of Hazel Grove, Wrexham, appeared at a preliminary hearing today.
Paul Abraham, defending, indicated not guilty pleas.
The defendant was bailed to a plea hearing in February and a provisional trial date was fixed in June.
Judge Rowlands said that it was alleged that the defendant had taken a woman, who was in drink, to her home address.
The charge of sexual assault arose from allegations that he had fondled her there.
“I know the charge is not proved,” he said.
"But everyone put a lot of trust in taxi drivers to look after their wives and daughters .
“What on earth is the council thinking of? That he should continue as a taxi driver until the result of the case?”
Judge Rowlands said that he wanted the police to contact the authority and he wanted an explanation.
He said he wanted to know whether the council had carried out a risk assessment.
If they had failed in their duty to the public then he would step in and change his bail conditions, he said.
Judge Rowlands said he would list the case for a mention hearing next week when the issue would be resolved.
In the meantime Azizi was bailed on condition that he does not approach the complainant and does not go to the area where she lives.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-w ... ge-8497541
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