Taxi Driver Online

Well I suppose a former female police detective who's now Bracknell Council leader is better suited to getting to the bottom of this sort of thing than most

Other than that, though, it's the usual murky licensing stuff about who knew what and when, and all the secret squirrel thing etc...

This isn't the actual photo of the councillor used in the article - I'd guess it's about councils emptying the bins, and stuff like that

But maybe putting the rubbish out is an apt analogy for this article


New council leader launches investigation into rapist taxi driver

https://wokingham.today/new-council-lea ... xi-driver/



Senior council figures have been asked to explain how concerns about convicted rapist Diwan Khan were handled in 2024, whilst the former Bracknell mayor was in office.

In her first act as Bracknell leader, police detective turned council chief Helen Purnell has launched an investigation into the council’s activities.

Bracknell’s interim leader is fiercely determined to expose the council processes that allowed a now convicted rapist to drive taxis and attend ceremonies as the Mayor’s consort.

Cllr Purnell wrote to the authority’s chief executive requesting detailed answers about the timeline of events and internal decision-making.

Her letter seen by the LDRS focuses on whether any warnings were raised during the licensing process – including from Thames Valley Police – and what information, if any, was shared with the council after Mr Khan was granted a licence.

Cllr Purnell has also asked whether concerns about Mr Khan’s suitability to hold a taxi licence were reported between the time it was issued and its eventual suspension, and how those concerns were assessed.

She drew particular attention to a meeting held in January 2024 for senior councillors, where a different serious allegation against Mr Khan was discussed – six months before rape he has since been convicted of.

The council leader has requested clarification on who attended and what action was taken following that meeting.

In the same month, Khan was asked to step back from his role as Mayor’s consort. His taxi licence is also believed to have been revoked at around the same time.

Khan later went on to rape a 15-year-old girl after feeding her vodka and ecstasy, and is awaiting sentence at the end of April.

On Wednesday March 13, less than a week after taking control, cllr Purnell announced:

“Under my direction as leader, the council has launched an investigation into its licencing and safeguarding.”

“As a mother and former police officer, I am relieved that both Diwan Khan and Naheed Ejaz have faced the full force of the law for their terrible crimes.

“We await their sentencing this year and my thoughts remain with the victim of these crimes.

“One of my first acts as leader has been to write to the Chief Executive asking key questions around the council’s licencing procedures.

“Leaders of all groups have now received copies of my letter.”

“Councillors from all parties and residents have rightly been in touch with questions since Naheed Ejaz and Diwan Khan’s sentencing. Questions which need answers.

“Now the Council will prepare an audit addressing the key questions raised in my letter and present that audit to the Governance and Overview Committee.

“This is a cross-party committee designed to give all parties the full information on the council’s activities, and an opportunity to openly scrutinise the Council’s processes.

“I was elected on a promise to be transparent, accountable and responsible – and that is what I am doing in taking these actions.”

So she wants to find out why the stable door wasn't bolted till after the event at a cost to the ratepayers of course.

simples a judgement call that turned out to be wrong is the most probable answer

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

You're being uncharacteristically charitable about the council's knowledge and motives here, Edders

...anyway, one detail I forgot to mention yesterday (but which is in another report) is that the mayor was the rapist's mother

So he was his mother's 'consort' when she was mayor. According to Google AI , a mayor's consort might be: "A mayor’s consort is a person chosen by a mayor to accompany them to official civic engagements and support them during their term. This is a ceremonial, non-political role. The consort is often a spouse or partner, but can be a family member, friend, or fellow councillor."

Sounds like a bit more than a judgement call here

But a quick read of this suggests the council did the right thing when the rape allegation first arose.

But although the earlier offences and allegations are historical, it would be interesting to know the precise details - what and when, most obviously, and what were 'allegations' and what were actual offences - and when and how he got a badge in the first place. But, I mean, it says: "...he had spent time in prison for driving without a licence and drug-related offences."

Not much sign of that detail here, but no doubt more will come out in time...


Taxi driver faced over 50 allegations by the police

https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/25 ... ns-police/


Image: Bracknell Forest Council/Bracknell News

A BRACKNELL taxi driver who raped a teenage girl had already accumulated 52 allegations of criminal offences before the attack took place, council records reveal.

Diwan Khan, whose mother Naheed Ejaz served as Bracknell's mayor, was convicted of rape in February alongside Ejaz, who was found guilty of perverting the course of justice. Both are due to be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on April 30.

Internal council documents, obtained by the Bracknell News, show senior officials had reclaimed the then 39-year-old's taxi licence as far back as January 2024 - six months before the rape offence was committed.

Kevin Gibbs, executive director of Bracknell Forest Council, wrote at the time that Khan "had a long string of offences: 52 from 2006", adding that he had spent time in prison for driving without a licence and drug-related offences. Mr Gibbs concluded this raised "serious questions over his appropriateness for ever qualifying for the issue of a taxi licence."

Council records, obtained through a the Freedom of Information request, also show Khan had been arrested on January 11, 2024 over a separate alleged offence committed over the Christmas and New Year period.

He was released on bail to his mother's home in 65 Abbotsbury, Bracknell, with conditions including no contact with the alleged victim, described as a vulnerable 19-year-old. His taxi licence was revoked following that arrest.

Monitoring officer Sanjay Prashar noted Khan had also been arrested in July 2023 on suspicion of a serious offence - an arrest that was not reported to the council. Mr Prashar wrote that Councillor Ejaz "was in full knowledge of this event."

Naheed Ejaz became Bracknell Forest's first Muslim mayor in May 2023 following Labour's local election victory. Her son served as her mayoral consort during a period when he was already under investigation in his capacity as a licensed taxi driver. Ejaz began scaling back her mayoral duties in January 2024, citing ill health.

The FOI documents were obtained by Ashley Bower-Dyke, vice-chair of Bracknell Conservatives, and shared with the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Thames Valley Police has been contacted for comment.

Sanjay Prasher, monitoring officer and borough solicitor, said: “Thames Valley Police contacted the council’s licensing team in January 2024 regarding an investigation into Diwan Khan. This was for an alleged serious offence. As the responsible licensing authority, we revoked his licence with immediate effect to safeguard the public.

“Separately, a standards investigation into the conduct of Naheed Ejaz was undertaken in summer 2024 in accordance with the council’s procedures. It concluded that she had breached the code of conduct.

A spokesperson for Bracknell Forest Council said: “We are unable to comment on political decisions relating to the appointment of a Mayor and/or mayoral consort.

"This is a matter for the relevant political party. Likewise, we are unable to comment on a councillor’s decision to reduce their duties or step down from their post – this is a matter for the individual and the relevant political party.”

Khan was convicted of rape in January, having plied a teenage girl with ecstasy and vodka before attacking her in the summer of 2024.

His mother, former Bracknell mayor Naheed Ejaz, was convicted of perverting the course of justice. Both are due to be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on April 30.


Image: Bracknell Forest Council/Bracknell News

And this in the earlier report looks well dodgy:


Looks like he's around 41-years-old now, and it says his criminal history dates back to 2006, when he'd have been around 21.

But not clear when he did time, nor when precisely he got his badge

Well quite.

I wonder if this case shares similarities with the 'turning a blind eye' rape gang situation, where officers were concerned about their jobs and being accused of racism.

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IDFIMH

Lots of stuff online about this, but this is the official Hampshire Police news release, and then the Bracknell Council equivalent. Lots of comms-style stuff, but the latter contains a bit more info on the licensing angle, and also about the internal investigation that's ongoing.


Man jailed after raping teenage girl in north Hampshire

https://www.hampshire.police.uk/news/ha ... hampshire/

https://www.hampshire.police.uk/SysSite ... on-web.jpg

A man has been jailed for raping a 15-year-old girl in his car, following an investigation by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation Team.

Diwan Khan, 41, formerly of Abbotsbury, Bracknell, Berkshire, was found guilty of raping the girl in the Fleet/Farnborough area in July 2024, after a trial at Winchester Crown Court in February this year.

The jury was told that Khan knew one of the girl’s friends, and the rape took place in his car after he had dropped off the girl’s friend at her house.

Khan had supplied the girl with vodka laced with MDMA, and then raped her while she was unconscious and filmed himself doing so, the court heard.

The incident was reported to police via a third party on September 10 that year.

When officers attended Khan’s home address on September 12, his mother Naheed Ejaz, 61, came to the front door but did not open it for two minutes, the jury was told.

When officers did enter the address to arrest Khan, their body-worn footage captured a conversation between the two in Urdu, in which they talked about hiding something.

The conversation was later translated and Ejaz was arrested. Despite multiple searches, the phone has not been found.

A jury found Khan guilty of one count of rape. He had previously admitted a charge of perverting the course of justice.

Ejaz, also of Abbotsbury, Bracknell, Berkshire, was found guilty of a charge of perverting the course of justice.

Today (Thursday 30 April), both defendants were sentenced at Winchester Crown Court.

Khan was jailed for a total of 12 years, and must serve at least eight years before any chance of parole. The sentence includes a five-year extended licence period upon release.

Khan was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for 20 years, an indefinite restraining order, and will have to sign the sex offenders register for life.

He has also been barred from any work or voluntary role involving children for life.

Ejaz was jailed for three years, and must serve at least 16 months before any chance of parole.

Speaking after the hearing, officer in the case Detective Constable Lee Clement said: “The victim in this case has shown considerable bravery during the investigation, and in having to relive her experience in court.

“This attack continues to have a significant impact on her mental health. We hope that this result helps in some way in her recovery.

“Khan targeted a vulnerable teenage girl, and then, along with his mother Ejaz, tried to cover up evidence to hinder our investigation. Khan is deservedly behind bars, and we always believed that Ejaz’s behaviour stepped over the threshold into criminality.

“We hope that this result will give confidence to others who have experience these type of offences. You will be listened to and supported, and we have specially trained officers to investigate these offences.”

Anyone who has been affected by sexual assault can contact police on 101, where you can speak to someone in confidence.

We also recognise that not everyone will have the confidence to talk to the police about what they have experienced. Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.

For more information and contact details relating to rape and sexual assault and the support available, please visit our dedicated webpage: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/repo ... t-support/


Sentencing of former mayor and mayoral consort

https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/new ... al-consort

Following the sentencing of former Mayor, Naheed Ejaz, and former mayoral consort, Diwan Khan, at Winchester Crown on Thursday, 30 April, the council has released a statement.

Susan Halliwell, chief executive, said:

“Our thoughts remain with the brave young girl whose life has been undoubtedly changed forever due to the heinous crimes of former Mayor Naheed Ejaz and former mayoral consort Diwan Khan.

“We thank the police and judicial system for ensuring that both Ejaz and Khan received relevant custodial sentences.

“While the crimes were committed in Ejaz and Khan’s personal life outside of their civic roles, it does not make them any less abhorrent.

“Sexual assault and sexual violence have no place in our society. We want to assure our residents that we will always play our part in ending sexual abuse and supporting victims.

“To further reassure and safeguard our residents, we have started a thorough investigation into the taxi licensing of both Ejaz and Khan. They held separate and distinct licences which were issued and revoked at different times.

“Given the gravity and seriousness of their crimes, it is right that we carry out an investigation, which will go through the relevant governance process. We cannot comment any further on the investigation until it is concluded later this year.

“In the meantime, we’d again like to express that our sincere and deepest thoughts are with the very brave young victim, her family and her friends.”

Cllr Helen Purnell, leader of the council, said:

“Today is about the bravery of the victim who has spoken out. I want to thank her for her courage.

"While there will never be a punishment that eradicates the pain and suffering caused by this crime, it is right that both Ejaz and Kahn are now behind bars.

"Abuse against women and girls has no place in Bracknell Forest. I have put forward amendments to our domestic violence strategy to make sure more people in public roles are trained to intervene when they see unacceptable behaviours towards women in public.

"I have also launched an investigation into how Ejaz and Kahn were given taxi licenses, so that the public can have the full answers it deserves.

"We must not lose sight of the traumatic and frightening experience that the victim has endured. My thoughts are with her, and I thank again her for her strength in coming forward."

Support and advice

You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences to Thames Valley Police. Full information of how to report these crimes can be found on the police website.

Information about support available following sexual assault or rape is also available on the Thames Valley Police website, including details on how to access sexual assault referral centres.

More information

Naheed Ejaz was elected in May 2023 and served as Mayor of Bracknell Forest from May 2023 to May 2024.

Ejaz stepped down from her councillor role in September 2024. A by-election was held in November 2024 for the seat.

Diwan Khan was mayoral consort for the May 2023 to May 2024 mayoral term. Our records show that he conducted no civic functions or engagements in 2024.

The council cannot comment on how political parties select their candidates for elections or the role of mayor. This is a matter for the relevant political party.

The council cannot comment on if, or when, a councillor steps down from their role. This is a matter for the individual and the relevant political party.

The council has no control over who is elected to a seat - this is a matter for the public as part of the democratic process. Likewise, the council, as an organisation, has no ability or power to remove a councillor from their seat or role.

Naheed Ejaz, 61, of Bracknell was found guilty of perverting the course of justice at Winchester Crown Court on 11 February 2026. Diwan Khan, 41, of Bracknell, was found guilty of rape at Winchester Crown Court on 11 February 2026.

Ejaz and Khan were sentenced for their crimes on 30 April 2026 at Winchester Crown Court.

A formal request to investigate the licensing of Ejaz and Khan and the timeline of the case was made by Cllr Helen Purnell when she became acting leader in March 2026.

The investigation is ongoing and is likely to conclude in summer 2026.

Naheed Ejaz, held two separate licences issued by the council:

A licence to drive a home to school transport vehicle
A private hire operator licence in respect of Royal County of Berkshire Transport Limited

Both licences were revoked in October 2024. Ejaz appealed the decision but has since withdrawn that appeal. The revocation remains in place.

Diwan Kahn held a hackney carriage and private hire driver licence, which was issued by the council in January 2021. This was revoked by the council on 11 January 2024 under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. He did not appeal the council’s decision, and the revocation remains in place.

To evaluate this would require a detailed knowledge of the timelines and procedures etc.

Lots of procedural recommendations, which seem to slightly contradict the fact that the only real fault admitted here is the failure to check the DBS stuff.

But they've certainly put their hands up here about that particular cock-up


Taxi licensing investigation and recommendations

https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/new ... mendations

Six recommendations relating to an investigation around taxi licensing were noted and endorsed by the council’s governance and audit committee on Wednesday 17 June.

An investigation into the details surrounding Diwan Khan’s taxi licensing was carried out by internal auditors this spring. It follows a request made by Cllr Helen Purnell, leader of the council, in March.

Khan, who was mayoral consort from May 2023 to January 2024, was convicted of rape at Winchester Crown Court in February 2026. He held a taxi licence from January 2021 to January 2024.

The investigation looked at:

• the timeline and processing of Khan’s licence

• if policies were followed

• whether there were warnings raised by external agencies, and if these were acted on

• the timeline and details of Khan’s taxi licence suspension

• Khan’s resignation as mayoral consort

• previous licensing reviews and if actions had been implemented

The review found that most policies were followed and there was no evidence of concerns reported to the council or Public Protection Partnership (PPP)* until Khan was arrested on a different offence in January 2024, when his licence was immediately revoked.

However, it also found that there was no evidence that Khan’s DBS certificate had been seen prior to his licence being issued. If it had been seen, then it is unlikely he would have met the criteria for a licence.

Cllr Helen Purnell, leader of the council, said:

“The investigation into the circumstances around Diwan Khan’s taxi licence and the subsequent actions following his arrest in January 2024, was instigated to provide clarity and transparency. It was also requested so that we have a firm understanding of where we need to put tighter controls and policies in place to protect residents and visitors from harm.

“I am disappointed and saddened to see there is no evidence that Khan’s DBS was checked prior to his licence being issued. If it had been checked then it is likely he would not have been given a licence.

“My heartfelt support goes out to the young girl whose life has been undoubtedly changed by his heinous and despicable crime. She is at the very centre of my thoughts and sympathies in this case.

“Sadly, I cannot change the outcome for this brave young girl, but I can promise to put things in place to protect women and girls in future.

“This includes a women and girls’ safety charter, which pledges to make public spaces safer by encouraging organisations and businesses to actively prevent harm and respond effectively to violence and abuse.

“We will also make changes and improvements to our licensing shared service through the recommendations that have come out of this investigation and other audits.

“I am sorry that Diwan Khan was appointed as mayoral consort and that he was not DBS checked when he took up the role. There was no official requirement for councillors or consorts to be checked at that time, or indeed prior to that. We have, however, introduced a mandatory DBS check for all councillors and the mayoral consort. This came into effect in October 2024 and should help provide a safeguard for all serving and future councillors and consorts.”

Six recommendations were agreed by the governance and audit committee. They include:

• a full audit of licensing to ensure that recommendations from the investigation have been put in place and are working

• developing a protocol so that it is clear when the outcomes of investigations will be reported to relevant councillors and staff

• when an investigation relating to a shared service is carried out, the lead council/ organisation and senior Bracknell Forest Council staff should ensure investigation reports are finalised, action plans are produced and are effectively monitored

• considering if the council’s section 151 officer and head of internal audit should be informed of risks, issues and non-compliance relating to investigations

• prioritising recommendations relating to the education and transport fleet audit

• considering if the council should make further representations to the government on cross borough taxi licensing

More information

*Bracknell Forest’s licensing is carried out by the Public Protection Partnership (a shared service with West Berkshire Council).

Diwan Khan, 41, of Bracknell, was found guilty of rape at Winchester Crown Court on 11 February 2026.

Khan was mayoral consort for the May 2023 to May 2024 mayoral term. Our records show that he conducted no civic functions or engagements in 2024.

Khan was sentenced on 30 April 2026 at Winchester Crown Court.

Khan held a hackney carriage and private hire driver licence, which was issued by the council in January 2021. This was revoked by the council on 11 January 2024 under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. He did not appeal the council’s decision, and the revocation remains in place.

A formal request to investigate the licensing of Khan and the timeline of the case was made by Cllr Helen Purnell when she became acting leader in March 2026.

Support and advice

You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences to Thames Valley Police. Full information of how to report these crimes can be found on the police website.

Information about support available following sexual assault or rape is also available on the Thames Valley Police website, including details on how to access sexual assault referral centres.