Update
Boro Taxi driver sacked after viral video suggests he lured passenger to secluded layby near Middlesbrough Boro Taxis terminated the contract of a driver following allegations made in a video
A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault following concerns raised over the conduct of a taxi driver.
Boro Taxis has confirmed they investigated one of their drivers after becoming aware of accusations linked to a video now going viral online.
The footage documents a confrontation between the middle-aged man and a passing stranger, who accused the driver of luring the 19-year-old to the secluded Docklands Road, close to Grangetown near Middlesbrough.
According to the video, the man had become suspicious after driving past the taxi and seeing the driver with the young woman in the back seat.
After confronting the driver and highlighting the isolated location, the man reported his concerns to Cleveland Police just after 3am on Thursday, December 8.
On Tuesday, a polie spokeswoman said no offences had taken place.
However, on Wednesday afternoon the force issued a new statement.
"Just after 3am on Thursday 8th December a member of the public reported concerns for a young woman he had come across in a taxi on Docklands Road near Grangetown," a spokeswoman said.
"Having received further information, police have this morning arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of sexual assault and he is currently in police custody."
Boro Taxis decided terminated the contract of the driver on hearing of the alleged incident.
The driver was off duty at the time of the incident.
A spokesman for the company told The Northern Echo on Tuesday: “We expect the highest standards of behaviour from drivers, even while off duty, as was the case here.
“Therefore, we immediately investigated the matter, terminated his contract and reported him to the licensing authority, Stockton Borough Council.
“We understand the council is investigating this matter and trust they will take the appropriate action.”
Stockton Borough Council confirmed an investigation was ongoing.
source:
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/l ... xi_driver/