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Posted on the 23rd January 2025 in PHTM News
GLASGOW PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER REFUSED LICENCE RENEWAL AFTER SPITTING INCIDENT
A Glasgow private hire driver has been refused a new licence after being convicted of assault for spitting on a passenger.
Syed Shah's application for renewal was rejected by the city's licensing committee following an objection from Police Scotland.
An officer informed the committee that Mr Shah had been sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work for an incident in 2023 where he "behaved in a threatening or abusive manner" towards a passenger while working.
The officer stated that Mr Shah had "shouted, swore, and acted in a threatening manner" towards the passenger and subsequently assaulted them by spitting on them.
Police Scotland argued that Mr Shah was no longer "a fit and proper person to hold a licence."
During the hearing, Mr Shah expressed remorse, stating: "I am very sorry" and attributing his behaviour to the "hard time" he faced from some passengers.
Committee chair, Cllr Alex Wilson (SNP), acknowledged the challenges faced by private hire drivers but emphasised the importance of maintaining professional conduct.
"Being a driver in this city is not easy," Cllr. Wilson said. "You are confronted with people who have been drinking alcohol, on drugs, or whatever. You get groups of people who are acting in all manner of ways. They will push every button you've got."
He stressed that drivers must "rise above" such situations, stating that Mr Shah had failed to do so.
The committee ultimately decided to refuse Mr Shah's application for a three-year licence. Bailie Hanif Raja (Labour) was the sole dissenting vote.
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