A private hire driver has been found guilty of rape after targeting a woman walking home from a party in Beeston, Leeds.

Daniel Hayelom, 36, was convicted at Leeds Crown Court following a trial, and now faces sentencing on 2 May.

The incident occurred on 22 October, 2023, around 6am, when Hayelom, off-duty at the time, spotted the victim, a woman in her 40s, walking along Dewsbury Road.

CCTV footage revealed Hayelom driving past and observing her before approaching her on foot. He then forced her into an alleyway beside a Poundland store where the rape took place.

"He could have helped her to get home safely but instead he chose to prey on her for his own gratification," stated Det Ch Insp James Entwistle of West Yorkshire Police, highlighting the predatory nature of Hayelom's actions.

After the attack, Hayelom returned to his vehicle, while the victim continued home and subsequently disclosed the assault to others, who then alerted the police. Authorities identified Hayelom, from Armley, through his taxi registration, leading to his arrest later that day.

DNA evidence further linked him to the crime.

Despite denying charges of rape, sexual assault, and sexual assault by penetration, a jury found Hayelom guilty on all counts.

Det Ch Insp Entwistle praised the victim's bravery, saying: "We commend her for the courage and mental fortitude she has shown during the investigation and the court process that has resulted in his conviction."

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On Saturday, 12th April, Rhyl firm A & J Taxis, had the privilege of transporting five amazing volunteers from the charity One Day, to Manchester Airport as they set off on a life-changing journey to Lesotho, Southern Africa.

Lesotho is a beautiful but deeply challenged country, where many children have been orphaned due to high levels of poverty and HIV.

These volunteers are travelling to educate, support, and inspire - offering hope to young lives that need it most.

What makes this even more special? Some of the volunteers are teachers from Denbighshire County Council, proudly taking a piece of Wales with them! They'll be sharing their knowledge, skills, and Welsh culture with the children they meet.

A & J Taxis told PHTM: “We’re so proud to play even a small part in this journey by providing their airport transfer for free.

We can’t wait to hear all about their experiences when they return!“

Safe travels to this incredible team - we’re cheering you on every step of the way!

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Drivers in Stourbridge are being warned that Dudley Council and West Midlands Police are planning to take enforcement action along the High Street.

Under a nighttime Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), vehicle access to the High Street is restricted between midnight and 4am.

During the restricted hours, only licenced hackey carriages are permitted on the High Street, but private hire vehicles have been spotted flouting the rules there with some illegally parking and utilising taxi rank points.

Working with West Midlands Police, Dudley Council is reviewing signage and markings in the area to make it clear what parking restrictions are in place.

Drivers found to be contravening the order or illegally parking could face a fine of £70. Private hire drivers also risk a review of their licence.

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for highways and environment, said: “The TRO and parking restrictions are in pace to help keep people safe when they are enjoying Stourbridge’s nighttime economy.

“Unfortunately, we have had several reports of drivers ignoring the rules and this could place people at risk, especially youngsters who are out having fun.

“West Midlands Police will now be undertaking enforcement operations in the area to ensure the TRO is not being breached. We will also take enforcement measures around the use of parking and taxi rank bays.”

Hackney Carriage drivers will be able to continue to use the taxi ranks on High Street. 

Drivers of private hire vehicles and other privately owned vehicles should relocate their meet point away from the High Street and could consider nearby locations such as Lower High Street or Crown Lane.

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Barnsley is set to implement mandatory CCTV in all its registered hackney carriages this month, aiming to bolster safety for both drivers and passengers.

The move, funded initially by a South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) grant, will see a significant six-figure investment.

Licensing officials are due to brief councillors on the roll-out, which will see operators eventually take on the maintenance costs. A year-long pilot scheme will precede a comprehensive review in April 2026 to assess the system's effectiveness.

A report by senior licensing officer Debbie Bailey highlighted the crucial role taxis play, particularly at night, stating: "It’s recognised that the hackney carriage and private hire trades provide a valuable public service, especially late at night, when other forms of public transport are not always available."

The report emphasised that "Security for both drivers and passengers is a high priority," and that "CCTV cameras can be a valuable deterrent to criminal activity as well as protecting the driver from unjustified complaints."

The policy mandates that "The CCTV system must be in use whenever the vehicle is in use," and that "Warning signage must be clearly and prominently displayed inside the vehicle advising passengers that a CCTV system is in operation."

Any tampering with the system will be taken seriously when considering a driver's or proprietor's fitness to hold a licence.

Cllr Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, stressed the importance of safety, saying: "The safety of residents, visitors, and those who work in our borough is a top priority, and by requiring CCTV in all hackney carriages we’re enhancing safety for both drivers and passengers."

She also noted the potential benefits for the night-time economy, adding: "These changes also support our night-time economy by encouraging more drivers to work during later hours, so residents and visitors can enjoy Barnsley’s nightlife with the confidence of a safe journey home."

The council hopes the introduction of CCTV will encourage more drivers to operate during late hours, addressing the current shortage and ensuring safer journeys for both night-time revellers and drivers.

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York's popular Taxi Marshal programme, aimed at ensuring a safe and orderly nighttime environment, has resumed operations, funded by a collaboration between York BID, City of York Council, and local stakeholders.

The programme, which deploys uniformed marshals at key taxi ranks, will run from weekends until the end of the year.

Operating from 11pm to 3am on busy Friday and Saturday nights at Duncombe Place and St Savourgate, the marshals provide a visible, reassuring presence, aiding in efficient and safe transportation.

Beyond facilitating smooth taxi access, they also play a vital role in curbing anti-social behaviour, managing noise levels, and enhancing the overall sense of security for late-night travellers.

Cllr Kate Ravilious, City of York Council Executive Member for Transport, highlighted the programme's long-standing success, stating: “The taxi marshal scheme in York has been in operation since 2017 and has been warmly received by residents, businesses of Duncombe Place and St Saviourgate, and members of the Hackney Carriage Association.”

She emphasised the initiative's multi-faceted benefits, including “curbing anti-social behaviour and control noise levels in the neighbourhood while giving those wishing to travel late at night an increased feeling of safety.”

Ravilious also noted the programme's contribution to broader safety goals, adding: "It also supports the aim of reducing violence against women and girls, provides additional securities to the taxi trade and contributes to the city’s Purple Flag status.”

York BID stresses that the marshals provide a "warm and reassuring presence," and have already demonstrated a positive impact over eight years, reducing street fights, and public urination.

They encourage anyone needing late-night transportation to look out for the uniformed marshals, who are there to facilitate a "hassle-free" journey home.

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