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Milton Keynes taxi driver rapist: David Cameron criticises 'bad decision' | |
(1 day later) | |
David Cameron has said it was a "bad decision" to allow a convicted rapist to become a taxi driver in Milton Keynes. | |
Members of a licensing committee saw a document detailing crimes committed by Nadeem Ahmed Kiani before they decided to grant him a licence in 2011. | |
The 44-year-old was imprisoned in 1994 for rape and serious sexual assault. His taxi licences have been revoked. | |
The prime minister said it was a "rather shocking story". | |
Mr Cameron said it was the government's responsibility to "set the ground rules" and advised local authorities to check whether drivers were "fit and proper persons". | |
"We advise they should do Criminal Record Bureau checks," he said. | |
"It's obvious in this case that the council followed the correct procedures but then made a bad decision. | |
"When that happens, the person making that decision should bear the consequences." | |
Milton Keynes mayor Subhan Shafiq, who had vouched for Kiani, resigned from his post last week. | |
The document detailed how Kiani and a co-defendant had picked up prostitutes in a vehicle, threatened them with weapons, then raped and sexually abused them. | The document detailed how Kiani and a co-defendant had picked up prostitutes in a vehicle, threatened them with weapons, then raped and sexually abused them. |
Mr Shafiq had described Kiani as "a friend" and spoke of his "good current character and family circumstances". | |
Kiani was sentenced to eight years imprisonment at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court in October 1994. | |
His name was also added to the sex offenders register. | |
'Jaw-dropping' | 'Jaw-dropping' |
Milton Keynes Council leader Peter Marland said Mr Shafiq should examine his conscience over whether he could even continue as a councillor. | Milton Keynes Council leader Peter Marland said Mr Shafiq should examine his conscience over whether he could even continue as a councillor. |
Meanwhile, a council investigation found seven of the area's taxi drivers had criminal convictions. | Meanwhile, a council investigation found seven of the area's taxi drivers had criminal convictions. |
One, who was convicted of a sexual offence, has not had his licence taken away. | One, who was convicted of a sexual offence, has not had his licence taken away. |
Conservative MP for Milton Keynes North, Mark Lancaster, described the news as "one of those absolute jaw-dropping moments". | Conservative MP for Milton Keynes North, Mark Lancaster, described the news as "one of those absolute jaw-dropping moments". |
"We have a duty to ensure the safety of our residents and being a taxi driver means you're in a confined space with an individual who could be vulnerable," he said. | |
"We need to toughen our approach to the licensing process. | "We need to toughen our approach to the licensing process. |
"I accept people go to prison and serve their sentences, and after a period of rehabilitation, that conviction is spent. | "I accept people go to prison and serve their sentences, and after a period of rehabilitation, that conviction is spent. |
"But there are some offences that are so severe, like rape or sexual assault, that mean you should never be allowed to become a taxi driver," he said. | "But there are some offences that are so severe, like rape or sexual assault, that mean you should never be allowed to become a taxi driver," he said. |
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed by local authorities in England and Wales. | A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed by local authorities in England and Wales. |
"Local licensing authorities have a statutory duty to ensure that any person to whom they grant a driver's licence is a fit and proper person." | "Local licensing authorities have a statutory duty to ensure that any person to whom they grant a driver's licence is a fit and proper person." |
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