Issue - meetings

Members were asked to consider and determine the fitness applicant - 073050 for a private hire driver licence who had previously been revoked by this authority. The matter has been deferred from a previous meeting when applicant - 073050 was unable to attend due to a family bereavement.

Applicant – 073050, his son and his representative Simon Walker attended the meeting and were given the opportunity to make representation.

 Committee papers and reports had been provided to all relevant parties prior to the meeting. 

 The report detailed the following:

- A copy of, a Common Law Police Disclosure (CLPD) from Cleveland Police relating to applicant - 073050.

- A copy of an email and supporting documents relating to an alleged incident against applicant – 073050.

- A copy of a decision and revocation letter to applicant – 073050.

- A copy of applicant – 073050’s application including a DVLA check code

-  A copy of a redacted Storm report stating no further action (NFA), would be taken against applicant – 073050 in relation to the alleged incident.

- A copy of CCTV stills which were taken during the alleged incident involving applicant – 073050.

- A copy of a police disclosure and warning letter to applicant – 073050.

- A copy of a transcript interview with Licensing Officers and applicant – 073050.

The Chair introduced everyone present and explained the procedure to be followed during the hearing.

The Committee Members were presented with the officers’ report and had the opportunity to ask questions of both the officers, applicant – 073050 and his representative Simon Walker.

The Committee heard that applicant - 073050 had previously been licenced with the authority from August 2008, until his licence was revoked in August 2024. The Committee heard that during August 2024, disclosure was received from Cleveland Police, confirming that applicant - 073050 was arrested for causing grievous bodily harm with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and affray. Members were also informed that Cleveland Police had made a decision to take no further action (NFA) against applicant – 073050, and the incident was closed under Outcome 15 where the victim supports prosecution, but police decide not to proceed due to evidential limitations.

The Committee reviewed all the information provided and considered the submissions made by both applicant  – 073050, his representative and the licensing officer, as well as CCTV footage which was shown during the hearing.

The main topics discussed were as follows:

- Applicant – 073050’s representative explained in detail the alleged incident against applicant – 073050, giving his clients version of events to the Committee informing Members that applicant -073050 was trying to peacefully break up an incident, however, was attacked and then acted in self-defence. Applicant – 073050’s representative also highlighted that Cleveland Police had taken NFA and that the incident was without precedent, nothing previous and nothing subsequently.

- Applicant – 073050’s representative raised questions as to whether any evidence had been submitted contrary to applicant – 073050 submissions, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27