Bid to stop rapists driving taxis RULES which continue to allow rapists to drive cabs in Preston will be challenged as part of an overhaul of the city’s taxi trade.
Sex offenders can currently apply for a taxi licence five years after a conviction – 10 years if they have more than one – to drive customers around the city. But licensing chiefs are considering banning sex offenders forever – if the public agree.
Meanwhile, a Freedom of Information request, submitted by the Evening Post, revealed taxi drivers with criminal convictions for violence, drugs and dishonesty have been granted licences to work across Lancashire.
Dozens of people with known records have been approved to drive taxis by district councils over the last five years.
Preston Council said it could only provide information for the last year, when four applicants with criminal records were approved, and two knocked back. Offences included obtaining money by deception, breach of a community order and drink-driving. No sex offenders have been employed in the past five years. The issue is under the spotlight following news that a Lancashire taxi driver, who sexually assaulted a young passenger, was a convicted killer.
Zulfikar Nawaz, 56, of Balshaw Road, Leyland, attacked an 18-year-old boy as he drove him home from an office party in Chorley town centre.
It was revealed in court that Nawaz had a previous conviction for manslaughter dating back to 1977. Because that conviction was regarded as ‘spent’ after 20 years, he was able to get a Hackney carriage licence from Chorley Council.
Chorley Council leader Peter Goldsworthy said a committee had followed procedures when granting Nawaz a licence, but pledged a review of the case in light of his new conviction.
Preston Council licensing manager, Mike Thorpe, said: “I think with most offences there is a view there has to be a time where it’s no longer relevant.
“However, in terms of sexual offences, we’re wondering whether we should take a more stringent view, because of the nature of the employment and the opportunities their employment provides in terms of vulnerable lone females late at night who may be under the influence of drink or drugs.
“We would be sending out a message that anyone with a sexual offence, we don’t want driving taxis.”
But former licensing chairman Dave Hammond, who has been involved in discussions about the new policy, said: “I’m not 100% happy with that, because it takes me back to a couple of years ago.
“A man came before the licensing committee, and we found out he’d been done for murder.
“He ended up being a nice bloke. His life had changed completely in 20 years. We granted it, but I don’t know if he ended up being a taxi driver.
“Each case is treated on its merits and, as far as I’m concerned, it must be. If a bloke got done 30 years ago for a sexual offence, are you going to deprive him of a living for the rest of his life?
“It’s a taxi hearing, it’s not a re-trial. The person concerned has been in front of a court and they’ve made the decision – it’s nothing to do with us.
“We’re just there to find out whether he’s a right and proper person.”
Mick Rooney, of Ribbleton Taxis, said: “If someone has kept their nose clean for five years, I reckon they should be given a second chance.
“If they have not re-offended, they should be allowed at least to apply anyway. I’m not saying it should be granted – it’s then up to the sub-committee to decide if they are a fit and proper person.”
The consultation will also look at whether Preston is served by enough taxis, and asks people whether the current dress code for drivers “enhances the reputation of the trade”.
It asks whether the council should insist “safety measures”, such as CCTV, are installed in cabs, and whether penalty points should be issued to drivers who receive points on their driving licence.
Mark Selley, secretary of the Preston Hackney Carriage Association, said public safety was an important issue, and drivers paid for their own CRB checks when renewing a licence.
He said: “Every case is taken on its merits. If a CRB has thrown something up, it is up to the licensing committee of independent councillors to decide whether they consider that person fit and proper. The system works, but there will always be an occasional grey area.”
People in Preston have until January 31 write to the town hall or via
licensing@preston.gov.uk.
http://www.lep.co.uk/news/local/bid_to_stop_rapists_driving_taxis_1_4101179
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