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Milton Keynes taxi rape row: Full details of offence revealed Milton Keynes taxi driver rapist: David Cameron criticises 'bad decision'
(1 day later)
Details have been revealed of offences committed by a convicted rapist who worked as a Milton Keynes taxi driver. 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 the document detailing crimes committed by Nadeem Ahmed Kiani before they decided to grant him a licence in 2011. 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. The 44-year-old was imprisoned in 1994 for rape and serious sexual assault. His taxi licences have been revoked.
He had his taxi licences revoked when a member of the public raised concerns about him. The town's mayor, who had vouched for Kiani, has resigned. 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.
Kiani was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court in October 1994. Mr Shafiq had described Kiani as "a friend" and spoke of his "good current character and family circumstances".
His name was also added to the Sex Offenders' Register. 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 mayor Subhan Shafiq, who resigned from his post last week, vouched for Kiani when he applied to become a taxi driver.
When a licensing committee met to discuss Kiani's case in 2011, Mr Shafiq described him as "a friend", and spoke of his "good current character and family circumstances".
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 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."