Leicester cabbie loses appeal for refusing guide dog

On March 7th, TaxiPoint reported that a Leicester cabbie was prosecuted for refusing to take a man aided by a guide dog, fearing the dog may lick the gear-stick and apply the handbrake.

At the time 29 year old Zaman Khan was found guilty of breaching legislation pertaining to the 2010 equality act.

Mr Khan appealed his conviction, and yesterday, the appeal was thrown out by Deputy Judge Michael Stokes QC at Leicester Crown Court.

As a result of Mr Khan losing his appeal, a further £400 in court costs was added to his previous £400 costs as well as his £400 fine.

Leicester City Council have also refused to renew Mr Khans cab licence. The appeal hearing heard how Martyn Richardson from Thurnby called a cab from taxi company ADT after an evening out in Scrapcroft, informing them that he had a guide dog.

The court heard that when he got into the car with his guide dog, Khan said he didn’t want the dog in his car and said he was scared of dogs.

Mr Khan at the original trial stated that the dog may lick the gear-stick and was worried that the dog may apply the handbrake.