Private hire driver’s licence revoked following inappropriate conduct complaint

A private hire driver has had his licence revoked by Bolsover District Council following a serious complaint from a passenger.

The incident involved a female passenger who reported that the driver, Mr Onyeka Ijeomah, engaged in inappropriate sexual conversation during a pre-booked journey. The complaint led to an immediate investigation by the council.

Mr Ijeomah appeared before the Licensing Sub-Committee on 16 January 2025. The panel was presented with CCTV video and audio evidence from inside the vehicle, which supported the passenger’s claims. During the hearing, Mr Ijeomah said he did not intend anything by the conversation and denied trying to initiate anything inappropriate.

The panel took into consideration that Mr Ijeomah was newly licensed and had only recently completed mandatory training, including a Safeguarding Course. However, the panel concluded that his conduct was incompatible with the standards expected of a licensed driver.

In line with Section 61(1)(b) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, the panel revoked Mr Ijeomah’s combined Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licence with immediate effect, citing the need to protect public safety.

Mr Ijeomah appealed the decision, but this was dismissed by Derby Magistrates’ Court on 18 July 2025. The court upheld the council’s decision and ordered Mr Ijeomah to pay £1,065 in costs.

Join us on WhatsApp here

Rob Hiney-Saunders, Cabinet Member for Licensing Councillor, said: “This accusation was very serious and our officers worked hard to understand what happened. It’s good that that the evidence supported the accusation and the actions taken by our licensing sub committee.

“We have a duty to keep users of our taxis safe and in taking away this driver’s licence we have taken a step towards safer taxis in the district.”