http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/taxi-driver-who-lost-licence-over-dirty-remarks-claims-he-was-victim-of-sex-attack/story-30405117-detail/story.htmlA taxi driver who lost his licence when he was reported for making sexual comments to a lone teenager claimed he was the victim of a sex attack.
Mohammed Kabeer had his private hire driver's licence suspended and then revoked by North West Leicestershire District Council following complaints about his attitude, behaviour and driving standards.
In November an allegation was made about his attitude to two female licensing officers, his manner of driving and inappropriate comments made to two passengers, including comments of a sexual nature made to a lone 18 year old female passenger.
A safeguarding report made to the council by police in December claimed there had been inappropriate sexual contact between Mr Kabeer and a female passenger in a separate incident and his licence was revoked.
Mr Kabeer, of Southbourne Avenue, Birmingham, launched an appeal against the decision to scrap his licence which was heard at Loughborough Magistrates' Court recently.
During the hearing, Mr Kabeer, accepted that there had been sexual contact between him and the passenger but claimed that he was the victim of a sexual assault.
The case was heard at Loughborough Magistrates' Court
In dismissing his appeal the court found that the council made the right decision.
Mr Kabeer was ordered to pay the council's costs of defending the appeal of £1,650.
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Councillor Alison Smith MBE, deputy leader and portfolio holder for community services at the council, said: "I am extremely pleased that the court dismissed this appeal and upheld the decision of the council.
"Members of the public have every right to expect that when they get into a taxi the driver is fit and proper and will not abuse their position, whether it is by bad driving or inappropriate sexual innuendo or conduct.
"I hope this sends a clear message to the public that we will act robustly to ensure that they are protected when using taxis, and also makes it clear to the licensed vehicle trade that the council will not tolerate this kind of behaviour from drivers.
"A private hire driver's licence is a privilege and not a right and where drivers fail to meet the high standards required by the council they can expect their licence to be revoked."
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