MAGISTRATES in Basildon ordered an Aveley taxi driver to pay over £1,000 costs to Thurrock Council after having his appeal thrown out.
Robert Knight, 52, of Lowlands Road, had appealed against the February decision of the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee to revoke his Hackney Carriage/Private Hire licence.
The sub-committee hearing followed Mr Knight’s appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court in November last year where he was found not guilty of offences of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
The court was told the sub-committee heard that during his interviews with police Mr Knight had admitted carrying out a school contract using an unlicensed vehicle and carrying out private hire work booked and fulfilled by him without holding a Private Hire Operator’s Licence.
Sub-committee members were also concerned that he had been given instructions to avoid cameras and heard conversations relating to criminal activity and made no attempt to report the matter to police.
Mr Knight appealed the revocation of his licence.
On Monday (15 July) his appeal was dismissed and he was ordered to pay £1,104 costs.
Magistrates said their decision was made for the same reasons as Thurrock Council and that they were not satisfied he was a fit and proper person to hold such a licence.
What a load of bollocks, this mans lively-hood has been taken from him because of bullshit snobbery! I know this man well and and his parents were stand ups in the community. Thurrock council or it’s officers have made it a personal thing out of snobbery, give this man his licence! Let him do his work!