MP Backs Kiss-blowing Cabbie At Panel Hearing
Tuesday 4th August 2009
A Colchester taxi driver who allegedly blew a kiss at a female motorist has been defended by his MP at a disciplinary panel.
Following an official complaint, Hackney Carriage driver Bernard Shore, known as Ben, received a formal letter warning him about his conduct after an incident at North Station Road roundabout.
On Friday, Colchester Council licensing committee decided, behind closed doors, to dismiss an appeal by Mr Shore against the warning letter.
Colchester MP Bob Russell, who acted as Mr Shore’s advocate during the hearing, said the case boiled down to the word of one motorist, who has not been identified, against the word of a taxi driver.
He said after the two competed for space on the roundabout, there was a “difference of opinion” as to who was there first and Mr Shore responded with “a kiss, a smile and a wave”.
“I have no complaints about the way the hearing took place,” he added.
“I’m not suggesting for a moment that the lady was anything other than a credible witness.
“What I would say is had it been a magistrates’ court, the case would have been dismissed. I think it sets a very worrying precedent."
“It could mean that a member of the public could lodge a complaint and it’s their word against a taxi driver’s word.”
It is understood Mr Shore has been disciplined as a taxi driver before.
Council spokesman Lucill Curtis confirmed the hearing had upheld the original decision to give him a warning.
She added he could appeal in front of a magistrates’ court.
Mr Shore said he could not remember the incident and said there were no independent witnesses backing either party.
He said: “I think it’s ridiculous. I probably will appeal to the magistrates’ court.”
Source; gazette-news.co.uk
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