Taxi Driver Online

Moray taxi driver who bought child booze has license renewed despite police objection


A Moray taxi driver convicted of two offences which “reeked of irresponsibility” has had his licence extended, despite objections from the police.

Charlie Ross appeared before Moray Council’s licensing committee yesterday on petition to renew his license for a further three years.

However, because he has two unspent convictions – for buying a child alcohol and speeding – members had to consider an objection from the police.

In March 2012, the Elgin man was charged with buying alcohol for a child.

Sergeant Gavin Jardine told committee members: “Paramedics attended the report of an extremely drunk female.”

He added that around that time, officers had learned Mr Ross had provided Buckfast wine for the same young teenager and her friends.

Then, last year, Mr Ross was fined £200 and given three points on his driving license after being caught doing 51mph in a 30mph roadworks zone on the A96 between Nairn and Forres.

Srg Jardine added: “These convictions have occurred whilst in possession of his taxi driving license and given the conduct it is the chief constable’s opinion he is not a fit and proper person to hold a taxi driving licence.”

The section of the A96 where the Tornado Taxis driver was caught on the outskirts of Forres is normally a 60mph limit.

At yesterday’s meeting Forres councillor George Alexander admitted that although he did not want to “excuse anyone for speeding”, the route was an “extremely difficult place” for drivers to negotiate at the time due to the lengthy stretch the restrictions.

However, Councillor Stewart Cree said: “My main concerns are about these two incidents in February and March 2012, which reek of irresponsibility in supplying young children with strong alcohol – the famous ‘Buckie’.”

“We have a duty to ensure the people who are permitted to drive taxis in Moray are fit people.”

In an emotional appeal, Mr Ross said: “At the time of the alcohol offences, I was going through a really hard time. Then I met my partner, who is now my wife. She totally changed my life and I don’t drink anymore.”

The committee agreed unanimously to extend Mr Ross’ license until 2018.

source: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/ne ... pposition/

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

hmmm.........................

reformed character ? do leopards change their spots ?

I think the police have a point but it sounds like another council taking the attitude that they cannot deny someone the right to work lets hope he is genuinely a reformed character. Strong alcohol can easily cause alcohol poisoning in teenagers that could have been a tragedy

_________________
lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

One has to beg the question of why an adult is buying a child alcohol and I'd also like to know whether the council in this case has heard of CSE? I don't think 3 points on a licence is particularly bad although 51mph in a 30mph zone is stupid.

_________________
Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

We once had a school transport job where the mother would ask us to stop and buy fags for her son on the way to school. of course we refused but she get very irate and said that the other firm's driver didn't have a problem with it. The other firm were picking up her 11 year old son.

_________________
Grandad,

Some councils are beyond sense.