BANNED AND REVOKED: Oldham private hire driver banned from driving after defying suspension

A private hire driver from Oldham has been banned from driving and had his licence revoked after continuing to work under a suspended licence.

Ibrar Hussain, 32, had his private hire licence suspended by Oldham Council after his criminal record certificate expired. Despite this, Hussain continued to drive, invalidating his insurance and committing what was seen as a serious offence.

Hussain failed to attend his court hearing at Tameside Magistrates' Court on 19 September, where he was found guilty in his absence of driving without insurance and a valid private hire licence. As a result, he received a two-year driving ban.

The court also imposed a fine, along with costs and a surcharge, totalling £4,671. Following the conviction, Oldham Council revoked his licence with immediate effect.

Councillor Elaine Taylor, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and the cabinet member responsible for Licensing, said: “In general, taxi standards in Oldham are very good. 

“However, where breaches do occur, the penalty imposed in this case by the court shows that this sort of behaviour will be taken seriously, and the consequences can be severe.”