Gwynedd taxi drivers get licences despite spent convictions

Taxi licences have been granted to Gwynedd drivers with spent convictions, including assault, theft and speeding.

But giving the licences was considered "acceptable" due to the historic nature of the crimes.

The general licensing committee of the council, Cyngor Gwynedd, discussed the minutes from a previous meeting held behind closed doors.

The policy is that at least 10 years must pass for convictions such as violence, dishonesty, and reoffending.

The minutes described how an applicant, referred to as Mr A, had asked for a hackney carriage/private hire driver's licence.

Members noted that his convictions were "historical" and happened when he was "young and foolish".

Between 1970 and 1987 he was convicted of a number of offences, including assault, burglary, theft, handling stolen goods, causing actual bodily harm, breaching a probation order, and perverting the course of justice. He spent time in prison.

He highlighted his experience working as a taxi driver and detailed checks were carried out for many years at another place of work ensuring his "suitability".

In response to why he did not acknowledge convictions on his application, Mr A said his last conviction was 36 years ago and he thought "they would be spent".

He apologised and said he was "not aware that historical convictions continued to be considered when applying".

Despite the number of offences, under the authority's policy it was now considered that "enough time" had passed since the last conviction to allow the license.

In another case a man identified as Mr B applied for a hackney/private hire driver's licence.

In May 2021, he received three penalty points for breaking the speed limit.

A month later he received three more penalty points for the same offence. The applicant had not declared the points, a condition of any taxi licence.

It was accepted that information should have been shared. It was noted that it was an application to renew the licence and the applicant had declared the points on his application.

Two-and-half years had elapsed without re-offending and the applicant "acknowledged his fault".

The sub-committee determined that the applicant was "a fit and proper person" to hold the licence.