A taxi driver who deliberately hid a criminal conviction and breached a community service order has been allowed to carry on plying his trade in Cheltenham.
Daniel Green failed to tell the borough council about a conviction for assault two years ago because he feared he would lose his job if the truth came out.
The 25-year-old had pleaded guilty to the offence which saw him shove a doorman at a bar after he had been drinking heavily. His punishment was a community service order in which he was assigned to work in a small group. But after a disagreement with another member of the party he left the task they had been requested to complete.
Background checks by council officers in October revealed what had happened and Mr Green was hauled before the council's licensing committee.
At the meeting in the council's Municipal Offices, committee members had the option to revoke his licence, force him to complete safety assessments or allow him to continue driving his taxi.
Questioning Mr Green, councillors raised concerns over his "short fuse", pointing out a pattern of offences had begun to emerge.
Mr Green had previously been granted a licence to work as a private hire driver in 2006, despite a known criminal record which included damaging property, theft and assault causing actual bodily harm.
The director of A&B Taxis, for whom Mr Green works, wrote a letter of reference, which was read out to the committee. He said: "I have found him to be more than helpful and his manner towards customers – especially the elderly – has been excellent.
"He is a young lad who is making a real effort to support his family."
Speaking at the meeting Councillor Garth Barnes said: "I understand why you were dishonest – you feared you would lose you job.
"But clearly being dishonest was another error on your part. If you had come to us straight away it would have been a lot easier."
Mr Green replied: "I enjoy the job so much and I did not want to put it at risk. Now I wish I had made the offence clear straight away. I deeply regret my actions. I feel like I've grown up a lot in the last two years. I just want to be able to support my family and get on with my life."
Councillor Pat Thornton asked whether his drinking habits had improved.
Mr Green said: "I rarely drink alcohol now, except on special occasions."
The committee voted unanimously for Mr Green to keep his licence, pending a review in a year's time, with the condition that any further offences be referred to the committee.
Chairing the meeting, Councillor Diggory Seacombe said: "We hope nothing happens between now and next year that causes us to change our minds."
http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/gloucestershireheadlines/Cheltenham-cabbie-hid-criminal-record/article-1580110-detail/article.html
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