Taxi Driver Concerns

[hazelcs]

Vulnerable lady in her 40's has reported a taxi driver for inappropriate behaviour. On journey on 2 January driver drew to side of quiet country road and tried to kiss her whilst touching her upper body without consent. Reported matter to police but they said it was her word against driver and nothing they can do. It has now come to light that he had done this to another lady - elderly late 70's but he passed it off as giving her a "new year kiss". The elderly lady hasnt reported it as she said police probably make fun of her at her age getting kissed. Driver had been known to both for a number of years and always happy, friendly type, offering to carry shopping into house and saying as a regular customer he would knock a pound or so off fare. Needless to say neither use this driver now but to see him going about in a small town without a care in the world is very upsetting for them. To my mind this is a form of grooming.

[ummmm]

As horrible as it is, how is it a form of grooming?

[Baldric]

It was, in both cases, Assault, The Police could at least speak to him so he knows they're aware of his actions

[hazelcs]

Perhaps Grooming is not the right expression but certainly building up trust and friendship over a period of time and then taking advantage. Such as getting onside with the person, always friendly and going out of their way to help them, taking shopping to their front door and even offering to go inside house and help put shopping away in cupboards. The Lady has learning difficulties and periods of depression. Nightmares since this attack, nervous and shaking when ever they see the person driving taxi - as I said they live in small town - so almost daily contact. Their support worker went to the police at the time as was told one word against the other. She came away not knowing if they even were going to speak to him.
His behaviour since is always giving her a wave and a smile like nothing happened.

[Mamyalynne]

If they wish to file a complaint, contact the relevant council department that deals with taxi licensing.

They should give as much detail as possible, preferably his badge number,if they feel assault has taken place then it should be stopped.

[hazelcs]

My concern would be the time lapse involved and if the lady didn't want to go through it all again with the council as she felt the police were not believing her - although Police didn't say that they just said it one word against another.
Would a number of complaints have to happen before council revoked license or would police actually have to arrest him for this to happen?

[Mamyalynne]

The ladies won't know until they try - they must of course think seriously whether it constituted assault before a formal complaint ( which, you at least seem sure of).

If the powers that be are convinced, he will lose his job and his income - have seen it happen.


Let us know how they go on.

[boxtops]

Is he an independent taxi driver or part of a company? This sort of assault IS taken seriouly - a driver here has just gone to jail for inappropriately touching several of his female passengers.

The elderly lady (who's not elderly at 70, btw) has every right not to be molested. The police are takng it far too lightly, IMO. Both ladies need to get together and march to the police station together, and demand something be done.

[hazelcs]

driver has own taxi business with couple of other men working when required. As the older lady is the mother she thinks that will lessen the argument as they are related and one standing up for the younger one.
The younger lady was wanting to forget after the police advice but this is still affecting her daily life probably more so as time goes on rather than less as she keeps seeing him going about his business as happy as before which is making it worse.

[Mamyalynne]

Advise them to report it.


Not sure what else you want anyone to say.

[pixie373]

It's worth reporting. Who knows if others already have.

[tonyav]

Report him, how many more will he try it on with !.

[hazelcs]

Appreciate all the comment. Reporting to the council is certainly my advice to the people involved as I too wonder how many more people he has done this to. Thanks.

[Mamyalynne]

Let us know how they get on.

[EDDIE51]

Yes get the drivers name/number and report him to the taxi licencing authority for your area ( usually the local council who will have a department that deals with taxi licences)

[hazelcs]

Letter sent to council but taxi driver still operating. Maybe it takes some time for someone to investigate. Ladies involved not wanting to bring it all up again so await council action - if any. Thanks to all who commented.