GLASGOW PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER CONVICTED OF DOMESTIC ABUSE ALLOWED TO KEEP LICENCE
A Glasgow private hire driver who was convicted of domestic abuse has been warned by licensing chiefs but can continue working in the city.Police Scotland objected to Patrick Traynor’s bid to renew his private hire car driver’s licence due to the offence.
Licensing chiefs decided to grant him a restricted one-year extension, rather than the three years he had requested.
A police officer stated that the applicant had been sentenced in August 2023 to 240 hours of unpaid work over an incident involving his ex-partner.
He was also ordered to refrain from approaching, contacting, or communicating with the person for four years.
Archie MacIver, the licensing lawyer representing Mr.
Traynor, explained that his client has been working as a private hire driver since 1998 and has an 'unblemished' driving record.
He indicated that the relationship with his ex-partner lasted over 20 years but had become difficult, noting that during an argument, voices were raised and heard by a neighbor, which led to his charges and conviction.
Mr.
MacIver emphasized that there was no physical violence involved and that Mr.
Traynor is deeply ashamed and remorseful for his actions.
The committee was informed that the pair had now separated and that Mr.
Traynor had completed his unpaid work requirement.
The vote among councillors was three to two in favor of granting a one-year extension with a severe warning.
Some councillors suggested the application should be refused, but ultimately, the majority decided to approve it for one year.
