Taxi driver working in Kildare is refused taxi licence over sexual assault claim

A  taxi driver operating in Kildare failed in his attempt to overturn a garda decision not renew a public service vehicle licence - which would allow him to continue working as a taxi driver.

Chief superintendent Michael Buckley said he refused the licence because the man is facing four counts of sexual assault.

He said these incidents allegedly occurred on one occasion in County Kildare on September 22, 2024.

The garda told Naas District Court his concern was that allegations suggested the man was not a suitable person to hold a taxi licence.

The alleged victim is aged in her 30s and Judge Desmond Zaidan ruled that the man cannot be identified for fear of identifying the victim.

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Chief Supt Buckley said it’s claimed that the driver touched the woman inappropriately in the genital area and other areas of her body.

He said the woman knows the driver and there was one incident on one night. He added she had contacted the driver by phone and had contacted him regularly.

He added he met the driver on September 24.

He said the alleged victim was a fare-paying customer and the man was working at the time.

Solicitor Brian Larkin said the defendant had been in Ireland since 1999, had never come to attention and had no previous convictions. Mr Larkin added that there was no CCTV evidence and the case amounts to the word of the alleged injured party against the man's word.

Mr Larkin added that the case is before the district court and it may not be heard for two years and he could be without a licence for this time.

Mr Larkin handed in a reference from a teacher which is full of praise and the teacher is aware of the allegation.

“If he cannot work it amounts to a hugely undue hardship," said Mr Larkin.

The man told the court he had been driving for 20 years, providing a good service and added he has customers who only use him because they feel safe doing so. He said people trust him to collect their children and “they know me by my first name.”

He added: “I am very responsible.”

Judge Desmond Zaidan said the case is a difficult one because it is about balancing his right to a livelihood and the common good. He said the public must have confidence in taxi services. He said the man is presumed innocent and is entitled to that. He said he could not take a risk with public safety and he upheld the decision not to grant the licence. He also placed reporting restrictions on the case.