Taxi Driver Online

Gloucestershire Echo

December 3, 2007 Monday

Lying taxi driver wins licence bid

A Man who admitted prejudicing a money-laundering investigation was told it was his "lucky day" when he was allowed to remain as a Cheltenham taxi driver.

Martin Crowe, 45, of Swindon Road, Cheltenham, admitted lying to protect fraudster Georgie Smith at a Bristol Crown Court trial on November 5.

He told police he had given Smith £5,000 to buy a Hackney carriage for him on May 24, 2004. But this was untrue.

Smith was jailed for two years and nine months in February for his part in a cigarette and tobacco smuggling racket. The sentence was reduced to two years on appeal.

Crowe's defence solicitor argued he had been under pressure from Smith to lie to police.

The charge against him was reduced from the original accusation of perverting the course of justice.

He was sentenced to 100 hours' community service and ordered to pay £200 costs.

As a result of the conviction, Crowe had to appear before Cheltenham Borough Council's licensing committee in a bid to keep his taxi licence.

He had kept the committee informed of the progress of his case, and licensing officer Nigel Denby, who appeared at court to make a statement on Crowe's behalf, reported Judge Michael Roach's hopes that the conviction would not lead to the loss of Crowe's livelihood.

Licensing officer Derek Perry recommended his licence should be renewed.

Committee chairman Coun Diggory Seacome (C, Lansdown) said: "This is your lucky day. We hope you complete your community service satisfactorily."
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