A man who has been charged with posting offensive material online has had his taxi licence revoked.
Cumberland Council said it had taken ‘decisive action to protect public safety’ by revoking the licence after he was charged earlier this week with a serious racially aggravated offence.
Taxi driver Gerard Glaister, of Workington, was arrested by Cumbria police on August 8 and has been charged in connection with posting racially motivated offensive content online.
The charge relates to sending a communication of an indecent or grossly offensive nature, which is racially aggravated due to the content of the posts. He is scheduled to appear at Carlisle Crown Court on August 13.
Cumberland Council said when it received the information from the police, it conducted an immediate and thorough review of the driver’s hackney carriage licence.
It said given the severity of the charges, and under the delegated powers provided to the council, the decision was made to revoke the driver’s licence with immediate effect in the interest of public safety.
A Cumberland Council spokesman said: “This action sends a clear and strong message that we will not tolerate any behaviour that threatens the safety, dignity, or trust of our community. The nature of these charges is deeply concerning, and we have acted swiftly to remove this individual from a position of public responsibility. Those involved in criminal activities will be held accountable.”
The council’s licensing department said it reassured the public that the safety and well-being of residents were paramount, and it would continue to enforce stringent standards to ensure that all licensed taxi drivers in Cumberland meet the highest levels of conduct.
They added: “Public safety is our top priority, and we will not hesitate to take immediate action when it is at risk. We stand firm against any form of discrimination and will continue to work closely with the police to uphold these standards.”
On September 13 2024, Mr Glaister had his case dropped.
Mr Glaister had faced one charge brought under the Malicious Communications Act 1988. This alleged that he had displayed — on his Facebook page — content which court papers said was “of an indecent or grossly offensive nature for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety”.
In an address to Judge Nicholas Barker, prosecutor Tim Evans said the prosecution had, following a review of the case, taken the view that it was not in the public interest to proceed. As a result, the case against Mr Glaister was being discontinued.
That decision was formally conveyed to Mr Glaister by Judge Barker, who concluded it had been quite proper for police to have taken action in the county early last month during a period of great sensitivity.
It had not been necessary, said the judge, for the prosecution to proceed with the case, meaning that Mr Glaister faces no further action.
“You are now very much on the police’s radar,” said Judge Barker as he issued advice about any online use going forward. “You will understand that posting material on the internet, whether that is on your social media or your platforms can — and does — constitute criminal offences and can have serious repercussions, and you should take great care in future.”
On Monday, September 16 2024, Cumberland Council said: “Following the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision to discontinue Mr Glaister’s charges, he will now have the opportunity to reapply for his hackney carriage driver licence.
“His application will be put before our licensing regulatory sub-committee in due course.”
