Taxi Driver Online

Councillor cautioned over illegal taxi

OPPOSITION leaders have called for the chairman of Bolton’s planning committee to consider his position after he admitted to operating an illegal taxi.

Labour councillor Sean Hornby has received a “simple caution” after admitting using his car as a taxi without a licence, acting as a taxi driver without a licence, operating a car as a taxi without an operator licence and using his car as a taxi without the correct insurance.

Yesterday, Bolton Council withdrew the case at Bolton Magistrates’ Court as Cllr Hornby accepted the caution — which means he admitted the offences. His previous “not guilty” pleas were “vacated” — removed from the court.

The case has been ongoing since last August and has cost Bolton taxpayers thousands of pounds. The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats leaders have called on Cllr Hornby, who represents Little Lever and Darcy Lever, to consider his position.

Tory leader Cllr John Walsh said: “Anyone in public life is accountable. I hope Cllr Hornby will consider his position.” Cllr David Wilkinson, deputy leader of the Lib Dems and licensing committee member, said: “It is up to Labour to proceed with this as they see fit.

“The planning committee has a lot of responsibility and if the chairman cannot adhere to the rules set by another committee of a similar standing, then questions need to be asked.”

But Cllr Hornby’s solicitor Ajmal Hussain, of AGH Solicitors, said his client would continue in his roles He said: “Mr Hornby has faced considerable stress and anxiety in a saga that has lasted for almost 12 months.

“He now intends to resume his normal personal and political life. “Mr Hornby, a diligent and committed councillor, intends to continue serving his constituents. He intends to contest the next local elections in May, 2010.”

Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of the Labour Group and Bolton Council, said: “The issue has been dealt with by officers in the appropriate way. There are no implications for Cllr Hornby’s position under the code of conduct for councillors.”

A simple caution is not a conviction, but can be cited before a court on subsequent conviction.

Cllr Hornby, who was elected in 2006, originally pleaded not guilty to the charges, but the council said it opted to issue him a simple caution after he indicated, before the start of a planned trial last Monday, that he was willing to accept it.

A council spokesman said: “We are pleased that the matter has now been resolved and Cllr Hornby has been dealt with appropriately.” Cllr Hornby was granted permission to apply for his costs from the Central Fund, a fund similar to legal aid but for privately-funded defences.

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IDFIMH

One rule for them, another for the rest of us.

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IDFIMH

Cllr Hornby, who was elected in 2006, originally pleaded not guilty to the charges, but the council said it opted to issue him a simple caution after he indicated, before the start of a planned trial last Monday, that he was willing to accept it.


????? Since when has the council had the power to issue a caution????
And if a caution is considered by the council to be "simple" is it no wonder that the kids today have no respect for the law.

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Grandad,

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh....Council cronyism at its Very very best...

nothing surprises me anymore about councilors, i have lost all faith in local government

Only in local Government??

I hope he wasnt taking flagdowns..

I wonder if the uninsured vehicle was was seized and crushed...

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

The local trade ain't happy.

http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/ ... ouncillor/

But FFS don't get Charles007 to word the petition or else the iffy councillor might be voted in as Mayor.

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IDFIMH

I thought Charlie was the chair of the Bolton Taxi drivers' Association?

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Justice for the 96. It has only taken 27 years...........repeat the same lies for 27 years and the truth sounds strange to people!

The caution came from the licensing department and not councillors as the impression is given in the article. A prosecuting body such as a council has options for caution just like any other likewise body such as trading standards or the dhss. The caution comes in written format and the councillor has to sign it.

However one can't escape the fact that special treatment was given to this councillor because if it had been you or I the chances are that we would have been prosecuted.

Regards

JD

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Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

how the mighty are shafted.

it may come as a shock to some that he did not do anything wrong.

and guest who ran the case for councils J T H B T ON.

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C. Oakes


The Hackney Association Ltd
bbha@btinternet.com

no a private hire driver is B W

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C. Oakes


The Hackney Association Ltd
bbha@btinternet.com

No were not, we are supporting him.

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C. Oakes


The Hackney Association Ltd
bbha@btinternet.com

The councillor didn't do anything wrong? What are your reasons for suggesting that?

He signed a written caution that he did do something wrong, that doesn't strike me as being the actions of an innocent man?

Regards

JD

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Copyright notice © The contents of this post are copyright of JD and are not to be reproduced outside of TDO without written permission.

Oh really? How do you work that one out ffs?

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Life? Don't talk to me about life!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjm2eslm6hI