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Private hire driver faces losing licence
A private hire driver who picked up passengers outside a Preston pub has been convicted of illegally plying for trade.
Dildah Hussain, 55, was caught out in an undercover sting by Preston Council outside the Black Bull in Fulwood.
He was fined a total of £375 and had his licence endorsed with eight points.
Hussain, who worked for Preston firm Aerocabs at the time of the offence, now faces losing his taxi licence.
Preston Magistrates Court was told that Hussain, from Burnley, was parked in a lay-by in Garstang Road on July 26 last year.
He was approached by officers Kate Cowat and Andrew Smith, who asked if he was "free". The court heard how Mrs Cowat, a dog warden, then asked if Hussain would take the pair to Church Street.
When he said yes, and told them the cost, they got into his blue Mercedes.
Enforcement Officer Phil Walsh then approached the car, telling Mr Hussain he had committed an offence.
Former police officer Mr Walsh said operations like Operation Safe Preston were the "only way" the council could catch out drivers.
He said that plying was a particular problem outside the Black Bull, and also the Royal Preston Hospital, the Assembly in Lune Street and near Waterstone's in Church Street.
Hussain, who represented himself, claimed he was not working that night and simply gave the officers "information."
He told the bench "I only went to the pub to see someone."
He was found guilty of plying for hire without a licence and driving with no insurance.
He was fined £150 for breaching his licence and a further £225 for the insurance offence.
He was also ordered to pay £250 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
Mike Thorpe, head of the council's licensing department, said: "As a result of this conviction his private hire driver's licence will be reviewed by the council's taxi sub-committee, probably in May."
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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin
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