BUCKS TAXI DRIVER WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT CAUTION DENIED LICENCE AGAIN
A Bucks taxi driver named Basit Ali who was previously cautioned for sexual assault has had his attempt to acquire a licence refused by the court.In 2012, Ali accepted a caution for sexual assault and has been refused a new private hire driver's licence three times— in 2015, 2016, and 2018.
Despite making his most recent attempt in 2023, Buckinghamshire Council refused his application again, citing that 'he could not be considered fit and proper.' The decision was appealed, and a hearing was held at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on December 19, 2024, where the decision was upheld.
Ali argued that too much emphasis was placed by the council on his previous caution, ignoring the time elapsed and his positive conduct since then.
The magistrates found the council's decision consistent with their policy, with no exceptional circumstances to warrant a different outcome.
Ali’s appeal was dismissed, and he was ordered to pay costs of £5,740.56.
Mark Winn, Cabinet Member for Homelessness and Regulatory Service, emphasized the importance of public safety and the council’s firm stance on sexual offences, stating, "The safety and wellbeing of the public is of paramount importance...
it is in the best interests of the taxi trade that the public have confidence in the safety of taxi vehicles and of those driving them...
and we therefore remain committed to applying our policies robustly." The council’s policy states that applicants with a history linked to illegal sexual activity or indecency will typically be refused a licence.
A council spokesperson reinforced this position, noting that any individual with a history of sexual offences, regardless of when they occurred, can expect to be refused a licence, as the caution is deemed equivalent to a conviction.
