Private hire licence REFUSED after Fareham Borough panel cites conviction and concerns from previous Reading licensee
- Perry Richardson
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
A private hire driver licence application has been refused after a licensing panel determined the applicant was not a “fit and proper person” due to a history of violent behaviour and failure to disclose a criminal conviction.
The decision was made during a Fareham Borough Council Licensing Panel meeting held on 14 April 2026, where members considered evidence relating to an applicant referred to as Mr H.
Panel members reviewed details of previous convictions, including offences in 2002 and 2020, alongside concerns raised during the applicant’s time licensed with Reading Borough Council. The hearing also examined compliance issues linked to his earlier licensing history, where incidents had resulted in penalty points and suspensions.
Central to the refusal was a 2020 conviction for criminal damage, which resulted in a fine and the imposition of a restraining order. The panel expressed concern that the applicant failed to declare this conviction during the application process, a factor that weighed heavily in the final decision.
Applicant deemed not ‘fit and proper’ following concerns over criminal history and failure to declare offence
During the hearing, the applicant attributed the offence to a personal dispute, stating he had broken a wing mirror after an altercation involving an ex-partner. However, panel members concluded that his explanation did not adequately reflect an understanding of the seriousness of the restraining order or the underlying behaviour.
The panel also referenced licensing policy guidance, which states that applicants with convictions involving violence or harassment-related conduct should not be granted a licence until a significant period has elapsed. In addition, policies highlight that any dishonesty during the application process, including failure to disclose convictions, is grounds for refusal.
While noting that Reading Borough Council had not revoked the applicant’s previous licence, the panel raised concerns about patterns of non-compliance and the applicant’s limited acceptance of responsibility for past conduct.
Taking all factors into account, the panel concluded that the combination of a recent conviction, safeguarding concerns linked to the restraining order, and non-disclosure meant the applicant did not meet the required standard to hold a private hire driver licence.
The application was formally refused, with the applicant retaining the right to appeal the decision through the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days.
