A report from the Assistant Director (Localities) is attached.
Minutes:
1. Licence holder 10/2015 attended the meeting. The Chair outlined the procedure to be followed and the Licensing Unit Manager read the report submitted by the Assistant Director (Localities) which was accepted by the licence holder.
The licence holder was given the opportunity to address the Panel and explained that at the time of the offences he been on medication for depression and was going through a difficult period in his personal life.
He further stated that he was now in a better place in his personal life and no longer on medication.
Delegated decision:
1. After carefully considering the written report and oral statements from the licence holder and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, the Panel resolved, that no further action be taken.
2. That the Applicant be required to attend the January 2016 meeting of this Panel, at renewal and before if there are any complaints
2. Licence holder 11/2015 attended . The Chair outlined the procedure to be followed and the Licensing Unit Manager read the report which was accepted by the licence holder. The licence holder was given the opportunity to address the Panel and explained that the incident relating to the conviction was completely out of character and occurred at a time when he was going through the breakdown of his marriage
Delegated decision:
After carefully considering the written report and oral statements from the licence holder, the Panel noted the remorse shown by the Applicant and that the conviction related to an isolated incident. The Panel further noted that the licence holder had been driving as a taxi driver for 7 years with no complaints.
In considering the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, the Panel resolved, unanimously, that no further action be taken.
3. Licence holder 06/2015 attended the meeting and was represented by his solicitor Ms Syme. The Chair outlined the procedure to be followed and the Licensing Unit Manager read the report submitted by the Assistant Director (Localities) which was accepted by the licence holder and his representative.
Additional documentation by way of a personal character reference, along with copies community service work sheets were submitted at the meeting on behalf of the licence holder.
The licence holder was given the opportunity to address the Panel and explained through his legal representative that the conviction related to a one off incident and he was of good character with no pre-disposition to violence. The incident occurred as a result of the licence holder becoming involved in a dispute between two men with which he had no personal connection.
Delegated decision:
That upon considering the report, character reference, community service work sheets, and the oral representations made, the Panel resolved, unanimously, to suspend the licence for a period of 6 months.
Pursuant to section 61 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, the Panel noted the serious nature of the incident and the relatively short amount of time that had elapsed since the date of conviction.( 18 March 2015) The Panel further noted concern about a licensed taxi driver becoming involved in the disputes of others. The Panel noted the Guidelines in connection with offences of violence. The Panel felt that his behaviour called into question whether he was a fit and proper person to be a licence holder. The Panel felt that the Community Order imposed by the Court should have time to take effect on the Applicant
The Applicant was informed of their right of appeal to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days