No surprises here - the incident was only four months ago
In fact, there
is a huge surprise - one councillor actually wanted to grant the licence
I mean, the applicant didn't even turn up
Man who refused to stop filming in Aberdeen strip club amid police clash denied taxi licencehttps://www.aberdeenlive.news/news/aber ... g-10644828James Murray claimed he was a policeman when he was asked to leave Private Eyes on Bridge Street, leading to him swearing at officers and calling them 'f***ing c***s'.A man who grabbed a steward and police and swore at them in an Aberdeen strip club was denied a taxi driver’s licence when his case came before North Ayrshire Licensing Committee on Wednesday.
James Murray, it was confirmed, had a live conviction, which Police Scotland said he had not declared on his application.
On July 9, 2025 at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Mr Murray was fined £200 and given a victim surcharge of £20 on one charge and the disposal for the second charge was £270.
A Police Scotland spokesman confirmed that on July 16, 2024 Mr Murray attended Private Eye’s in Bridge Street – an adult entertainment venue.
Stewards were alerted that he was filming dancers at the venue which was against the rules. A steward then approached Mr Murray and asked him to delete videos, which he did.
Mr Murray then grabbed the steward by the collar towards him and stated he was a policeman. The steward calmed the situation and walked away.
The police spokesman said: “The steward was again informed he was filming dancers and advised him to stop filming and to put his phone away. James Murray became aggressive and shouted: “I am a f***ing police officer.
“He grabbed the steward by the collar and tried to take the radio off his jacket.
“The steward asked James Murray to leave but he refused and police were contacted.
“On police arrival James Murray was asked to step outside but refused and was escorted out by police officers.
All the while, he was continually shouting and swearing, calling them “f***ing c***s and police scum.
“The accused was then arrested and as he was being placed in the back of a police vehicle, he grabbed one of the officers by the body armour and pulled him forward, stating: “I will show you what resisting is”.
He was taken to the police office, continually shouting and swearing.
The police spokesman added: “He was subsequently convicted of the offences above. We believe by reason of the above Mr Murray is not a fit and proper person to be granted a taxi driver’s licence and object to the granting of the licence.”
Chair Eleanor Collier said it was “unfortunate he did not appear before the committee.”
Irvine Reform cllr Matthew McLean said he was happy to continue the case.
Tory leader Cameron Inglis said a decision had to be made on the day rather than continuing the case and said public safety was important.
Cllr Christina Larsen said she was minded to refuse the application because Mr Murray had chosen not to appear which was “disappointing”.
Chair Eleanor Collier said it was a relatively serious matter and to “safeguard the public” she would be happy to refuse it.
Cllr McLean said he would be happy to grant but could not find a seconder.
The chair proposed refusing and Cllr Larsen seconded on the grounds that he was “not a fit and proper person” to hold a taxi licence in North Ayrshire.
This was agreed by the committee.