London taxi driver cleared of false sexual assault allegation thanks to digital movements and trade rep support
A harrowing incident involving an innocent taxi driver falsely accused of sexual assault has shed light on the critical role of professional legal support for those in the trade.
The case, brought to public attention by Anthony Street of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) in the latest TAXI Magazine, highlights the intense scrutiny drivers face and the peace of mind that comes with having skilled legal representation.
According to Street, the driver’s ordeal began with an unexpected knock at his door early one morning. Two police officers informed him he was under arrest for an alleged sexual assault. Despite knowing he had done nothing wrong, the driver was said to be left in a state of shock and a ‘quivering wreck’.
The allegation originated from a passenger who had woken up at home after a night out with no memory of her journey or what had transpired. Confused and concerned, she reported her fears to the authorities. Lacking clarity about who, where, or even if an assault had occurred, the police began their investigation.
Through a review of CCTV footage and credit card receipts, officers identified the driver’s cab as having dropped the woman at a central London nightclub earlier in the evening. Further evidence from ride-hailing app records and the driver’s own home security footage showed a clear timeline of his activities before and after the brief journey. Despite this, due to the seriousness of the allegation, his taxi licence was immediately suspended pending further inquiries.
The LTDA’s legal team stepped in, providing guidance and representation during police interviews. According to Street, the driver fully cooperated, offering a detailed account of his movements and even volunteering DNA samples to confirm his innocence. Although even the investigating officers reportedly saw the tests as a formality, the process dragged on for months.
During this time, the taxi driver’s representatives worked tirelessly to expedite the case. They made persistent contact with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and forensic laboratories, demanding updates and pushing for swift action amidst what were described as widespread backlogs and delays. Finally, after an agonising wait, the DNA results came back negative, and the driver was formally cleared of any wrongdoing.
With the immediate case resolved, the LTDA turned its attention to ensuring the incident would not appear on the driver’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) record, which could have jeopardised his future career.
This case highlights the challenges faced by some taxi drivers and their families, who often find themselves in vulnerable situations through no fault of their own. False accusations, while rare, can have devastating consequences, particularly for those without professional backing to ensure their side of the story is heard and acted upon promptly.
