Key Points:
- Bolton Council has refused to renew a private hire vehicle PHV driver’s licence following allegations of a sexual assault on a female passenger in 2022.
- The incident reportedly occurred when the passenger lost consciousness in the taxi and awoke to find the driver on top of her, groping and licking her breasts.
- The complainant later confirmed in an email that upon escaping the vehicle, she discovered her belt, trousers’ button, and zipper had been undone.
- The licensing committee, comprising eight councillors, unanimously rejected the licence renewal application, citing concerns for the safety of passengers, particularly those travelling alone.
- The driver denied the allegations and did not attend the hearing, despite being informed it would proceed in his absence.
- The committee also considered 12 prior complaints against the driver, previous breaches of licence conditions, and failure to report his arrest within 48 hours as required.
- The decision was reported by PHTM News, with additional context provided by Yahoo News UK.
Bolton Council Rejects Taxi Licence After Woman Alleges Horrifying Sexual Assault in Cab
As reported by PHTM News, Bolton Council has refused to renew the private hire vehicle PHV licence of a taxi driver following serious allegations of sexual assault made by a female passenger in 2022. The decision, confirmed on October 6, 2025, underscores growing concerns over passenger safety and the rigorous standards applied by local licensing authorities when assessing driver conduct.
What led to the licence refusal?
According to a report presented to Bolton Council’s licensing committee, the incident occurred on September 27, 2022, when a female passenger lost consciousness during a journey. She awoke to find the driver on top of her, allegedly groping and licking her breasts. The complainant stated she attempted to push him away but was unable to do so. Upon exiting the vehicle, she noticed her belt was undone and the button and zipper of her trousers had been opened.
The details were corroborated in an email from the complainant dated October 6, 2022, which was submitted as evidence to the committee. The driver denied the allegations but did not attend the hearing, despite being formally notified that the matter would proceed in his absence.
Why did the committee rule against the driver?
As reported by Yahoo News UK, the eight-member licensing committee unanimously concluded that the allegations were credible and posed a significant risk to public safety, particularly for individuals travelling alone. In their deliberations, councillors considered not only the sexual assault allegation but also a pattern of concerning behaviour.
The committee noted 12 previous complaints recorded by the driver’s private hire operator, breaches of licence conditions prior to expiry, and the driver’s failure to report his arrest within the mandatory 48-hour window. These factors collectively contributed to the decision that the driver was not a “fit and proper person” to hold a licence.
How does Bolton Council handle such cases?
Bolton Council has consistently prioritised passenger and driver safety, as highlighted in its public campaigns and licensing policies. In a 2024 statement titled “No excuse for taxi abuse,” the council and Greater Manchester Police GMP reaffirmed their commitment to tackling violence and anti-social behaviour in the taxi trade.
Councillor Nick Peel, Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, stated:
“We want all our drivers to be safe and feel reassured that we have made their welfare – as well as passengers’ – a top priority”.
The council has implemented measures such as the ‘No Excuse for Abuse’ sticker campaign in taxis and a taxi marshal scheme operating on weekend nights to ensure safe journeys.
What are the broader implications?
This case reflects a wider national trend of increased scrutiny over private hire drivers, particularly in light of high-profile convictions such as that of Dediki Mosi, a Bolton-based taxi driver sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2024 for raping a passenger. Detective Constable Sally-Anne Skellern of Greater Manchester Police described such acts as “atrocious” and emphasized the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable passengers.
Bolton Council’s decision also aligns with legal precedents where licensing committees have revoked or refused licences based on public safety concerns, even in the absence of criminal convictions. The council’s authority to act on the “balance of probabilities” rather than requiring criminal proof allows for proactive protection of the public.
What safety advice does the council offer passengers?
Bolton Council advises passengers to take several precautions when using taxis. These include only hailing licensed Hackney carriages with lit signs, booking private hire vehicles through official operators, verifying the driver’s badge, and noting the vehicle’s licence number. Passengers are also urged not to consume alcohol in taxis and to report any suspicious or inappropriate behaviour to the Licensing Team.
The refusal of the PHV licence serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities borne by taxi drivers and the robust oversight exercised by local authorities. As stated by PHTM News, the council’s decision reflects a clear stance: passenger safety is non-negotiable.