Issue - meetings

Members were asked to consider and determine an application for a combined hackney carriage and private hire driver licence, from Applicant - 001391 who had previously held a combined licence with this authority, and which was revoked in November 2022.

Applicant - 001391 attended the meeting and was 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 Applicant - 001391’s application, including a DVLA check code and current full licence which had no endorsements

- A copy of a summary transcript with Applicant – 001391 and Licensing Officers which took place during September 2024.

- A copy of a committee minute and decision notice where Applicant – 001391 had had his licence revoked.

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

The Committee noted that the application was for the grant of an application for a combined hackney carriage and private hire vehicle drivers’ licence as detailed in the Committee report.

The Committee heard that as Applicant – 001391 had previously had his combined hackney carriage and private hire drivers’ licence revoked by the Committee, it was standard practice for the Committee to determine a new application from him.

The Committee heard that, as part of the application process, Applicant – 001391 was interviewed during September 2024. The Committee were told that Applicant – 001391 stated in interview that he believed that he was a fit and proper person because he was not convicted of any offence by Cleveland Police, despite two previous arrests.

The Committee heard that records confirmed that Applicant – 001391 was licensed by the Council prior to 2004, until his licence was revoked in 2022.

The Committee were told that Applicant – 001391’s licence to drive hackney carriage and private hire vehicles was suspended in 2020, following his arrest by Cleveland Police for allegedly  engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour and allegedly raping his then wife.

The Committee understood that a further arrest followed in August 2021; Applicant –   001391’s licence remained suspended at that time following the first arrest. The second arrest for rape was in connection with an allegation from a female that she was transported to an address in Bowesfield Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, and subjected to imprisonment, gang rape and injected with heroin.

The Committee were told that in November 2022, Cleveland Police took no further action against Applicant – 001391 in any of the matters for which he was arrested.

The Committee heard that Applicant – 001391 subsequently appeared before the Licensing Committee on 8th November 2022; Members revoked his combined hackney carriage and private hire drivers’ licence, as they did not deem him to be a fit and proper person.

The Committee heard that Applicant – 001391 exercised his right of appeal against the revocation, and his appeal was heard at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on 11th April 2023. When reading aloud the Court’s decision, the Court  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26