Council bans ‘weird’ minicab driver after asking child passenger whether she was sexually active

A private hire driver has had his licence revoked by the council after making ‘weird’ comments to a school girl.

Bolton Council reviewed the driver's licence after the man was reported to have asked a child whether she had a boyfriend and if she was sexually active.

The council’s Licensing sub-committee ordered his licence to drive a private hire vehicle be revoked, on the basis that the committee was not satisfied that the driver is a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

The council took misconduct action after concerns expressed to the Licensing Team regarding a school child and a minicab ride she took to school on 4 September 2019.

The child reported to her teacher on arrival at school, that the driver was ‘weird’ and made some inappropriate comments. This included asking her if she had a boyfriend and if she was sexually active with her boyfriend.

It is claimed she did not then speak for the rest of the journey as it made her feel uncomfortable.

The driver admitted taking the child on the journey and admitted asking her if she had a boyfriend and admitted to the sexual comments he made. The driver further stated he made these comments to the child to stress the importance of focussing on her education. At the meeting with the sub committee he admitted that it was not right asking her if she had a boyfriend.

In the report published by Bolton Council it reads: 'Passengers often travel alone and are vulnerable to inappropriate behaviour. The Sub- Committee’s primary duty is of concern for the safety and well-being of the public.

'There is therefore reasonable cause to revoke the private hire drivers licence with immediate effect on the grounds of public safety.'

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