Man charged with soliciting after Uber driver footage surfaces online

A man has been charged with soliciting after footage shared online showing an Uber driver in the back of a licensed minicab with a woman prompted a police investigation.

According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Mohammed Jamal (10/03/1986) of Shaw, Oldham has been charged with soliciting.

He has been bailed ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Thursday 4 May 2023.

This charge relates to an alleged incident involving an adult female in a taxi on Thames Street, Rochdale in the early hours of Sunday 9 April.

Labour MP for Rochdale, Tony Lloyd, called on police to investigate the footage shared on social media earlier today. He said: "I have been made aware of a video of an Uber driver circulating online and this must be taken very seriously. I've asked Greater Manchester Police to investigate this.”

Uber have also reacted quickly by banning the alleged driver. They said in a statement: "We are horrified by what is depicted in the video and are taking action.

"We have banned the driver while we investigate and are working directly with the police."

Following the charges, police have asked for all previously circulated video footage to be removed until proceedings have concluded.