Taxi Driver Online

Bishop's Stortford taxi driver who asked girl, 16, for kiss in exchange for her change loses licence

https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/ ... ho-1667913

A court heard he had made comments about her appearance and asked if she had a boyfriend

A Bishop's Stortford taxi driver who asked a 16-year-old girl who was in his cab for a kiss in exchange for her change has lost an appeal against the decision to revoke his licence.

The teenage girl complained that Mohammed Ayubi had made inappropriate comments about her age, appearance, and whether she had a boyfriend before reportedly asking for a kiss in return for giving her the full change for her fare.

He had appealed against a decision by East Herts District Council (EHDC) to revoke his licence in November 2016, but lost his appeal at Stevenage Magistrates Court last week.

It was the second time that the case had appeared at the court after an earlier decision was so unclear that EHDC decided to challenge the decision at the High Court.

After hearing the evidence, Judge Duncan Ouseley sent the case back to the magistrates to reconsider their verdict.

In the hearing last week the court heard testimony from Jonathan Geall, the council's head of housing and health, as well as Mr Ayubi and Mr Ayubi's employer.

During the evidence the court heard that the teenage girl had changed her travel arrangement as a result of the incident, and that she had complained about his behaviour immediately after her journey.

Magistrates also didn't believe Mr Ayubi's account that the passenger was drunk and that she may have misunderstood his request for a kiss at the end of the journey.

The court heard that there was no evidence of any previous complaints towards Mr Ayubi or any similar behaviour reported.

Graham McAndrew, executive member for environment and the public space at EHDC, said: “This is a vindication of the council’s persistence and determination to ensure that this man, who is clearly unfit to be a taxi driver, is no longer licensed by East Herts Council.

“It is clear that the council’s processes and decisions are robust, evidence-based and sound. We are committed to ensuring that our licensed taxis offer a safe experience for passengers.”

Mr Ayubi has a right of appeal to the Crown Court.

Another one currently on his computer filling in the Wolverhampton application form.

As soon as he gets that he will be back.

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