Taxi driver fined for racist outburst at council officer Anthony Mooney is likely to lose his taxi licence for vile comment
A taxi driver was fined and may lose his licence after a racist outburst at a council officer.
Anthony Mooney got into a row with the victim and his colleague on May 25 this year.
The 44-year-old, of Baileys Lane in Halewood , pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today.
David Maxwell, prosecuting, told the court: “The complainant works for Liverpool City Council as a licensing and regulation enforcement officer, with authority over taxi drivers who are licensed by the council.
“The defendant is a Hackney taxi driver. On May 25, the complainant and his colleague were on patrol in Canning Place in Liverpool city centre, and were there after complaints about cab drivers obstructing parking.”
Mr Maxwell said the officers noticed Mooney’s cab obstructing residential parking spaces and approached him.
He said: “An argument broke out between them, and the officer took the defendant’s details and issued a written warning.
“Mooney drove off but as he left the complainant’s colleague heard him shout out you ‘f****** little n*****’.”
Mooney was interviewed about the incident and admitted the offence.
Daniel Kenyon, defending, told the court : “He (Mooney) has been a taxi driver for 20 years and has an unblemished record.
“He has no idea why he used that language and has never used it before.”
Mr Kenyon said the comment was made in the “heat of the moment” and his client wished to apologise.
He said Mooney expects to be summoned before the council where he may lose his licence.
Mooney was fined £220 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and an £30 victim surcharge.
source:
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liv ... t-11860886
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