Taxi Driver Online

A REPORT that 16 taxi drivers in Shetland had been convicted of murder, attempted murder or serious assault has been dismissed as "a complete misinterpretation and abuse" of the facts. Councillor John Nicolson, who chairs the SIC civic government licensing sub-committee, said yesterday: "I can say absolutely there are no convicted murderers driving taxis in Shetland."

He investigated the claim after it appeared in a newspaper on Tuesday and found it to be grossly inaccurate. The information was based on figures received under a freedom of information request but Mr Nicolson said the category containing murderers included convictions for a whole range of offences down to common assault and these had simply been "lumped all together" in the story.

Some of the assault convictions were up to 30 years old, he said, which were "well and truly spent". When considering taxi licence applications he said the sub-committee took account of people having reformed their character, particularly if a conviction had occurred in their youth.

Decisions were also guided by observations or representations from the police, he said. The SIC requires all potential taxi-drivers to apply for a licence. Controversial applications, and disputes, are dealt with behind closed doors.

He said public safety was the committee's prime consideration and its members would not be able to sleep at night if they felt people's security had been put at risk. The report is to be discussed in the council soon, including whether an official complaint should be lodged with the Press Complaints Commission.

"I was disappointed in the journalism," Mr Nicolson said. "The reporter should be charged with breach of the peace for causing fear and alarm." The story in the press stated that about one in five of the 338 licence holders in Shetland had a criminal record.

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IDFIMH

So he seems to be saying that the person supplying the information to the paper was at fault, but then blames the newspaper.

But I would put it down to the Viking influence anyway

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