Roseland taxi driver warned that he could face prison if he drives while disqualifiedhttp://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/16 ... qualified/A TAXI driver from the Roseland peninsula who pleaded guilty to charges of using an unlicensed car as a private hire vehicle has been disqualified from driving for six months and ordered to pay £2,000 prosecution costs.
Anthony Charles Herrick, aged 72, of Harbour View, St Just in Roseland, admitted using an unlicensed car as a private hire vehicle, not holding the required private hire driver licence and operator licence and no insurance, at Truro magistrates last Wednesday.
The court heard from Mr Kevin Hill prosecuting, that Mr Herrick had been previously convicted of similar licensing offences two years ago and was subsequently refused the requisite licences by Cornwall Council’s Miscellaneous Licensing Committee.
Mr Hill advised magistrates that complaints had been received by the Council’s Licensing Compliance Team that Herrick had continued to operate an unlicensed vehicle and as a result a joint agency planned operation was arranged.
On 10 November 2017 Herrick’s vehicle was booked by two licensing enforcement officers who took a journey from Portscatho and were stopped by a marked police vehicle outside the village.
It there transpired that the driver was Mr Herrick and that the vehicle was unlicensed and not insured for the carriage of passengers for hire and reward.
Herrick told magistrates that he needed his vehicle to attend hospital appointments but was advised by the chairman of the bench that the hospital car service could provide suitable transport.
In passing sentence, the magistrates warned Herrick that should he continue to drive whilst disqualified or operate illegally without the necessary insurance cover, he was liable to face a prison sentence.
Following the hearing Cornwall Council’s senior licensing compliance officer Mr Bob Mears said: “What many people do not realise is that due to Herrick’s illegal activity, a number of licensed and legitimate operators on the Roseland have suffered financially because of his complete disregard for the law.
“I am pleased with the outcome of this investigation and I hope that he now takes heed of the consequences of his actions.”
Herrick was also fined £250 and ordered to pay £30 victim surcharge.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Previous prosecution featured here:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=29076&p=349296&hilit=herrick#p349296
Login
Register
FAQ
