FIT AND PROPER


CHELTENHAM PRIVATE HIRE BOSS TO PAY £3,100 FOR OPERATING WITHOUT OPERATORS LICENCE


A private hire operator from Cheltenham has been handed the maximum fine possible after being successfully prosecuted for con- tinuing to take bookings despite having his licence suspended. On 27 October, Victor Whitham pleaded guilty


to operating a


private hire vehicle without a private hire operator’s licence. The offence came to light after Mr. Whitham’s


continued to monitor the firm, Spa-Tax


Cheltenham, had its licence suspended in October 2024 for failing to pay its Private Hire Operator (PHO) fees. Following the suspension, Chel- tenham Borough Council officers


company and found Mr. Whitham was “continuing to dispatch Cheltenham licensed PHVs without a licence to do so.” Although Mr. Whitham held a licence with Tewkesbury Borough Council, this did not permit the Cheltenham-licensed vehicles and drivers to operate under it. Magistrates imposed the maximum fine of £1,000 and ordered Whitham to pay a £400 victim surcharge and £1,706.40 in costs, resulting in a total payment of £3,106.40. Councillor Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and


communities, commented on the verdict,


stating: “Cheltenham


Borough Council is committed to ensuring the safety and legality of taxi and private hire services in our community.”


She added that the successful prosecution “sends a very clear message that we will not tolerate illegal activity in our town and will take decisive action to protect Cheltenham residents and our visitors.”


The case was spearheaded by Cheltenham Borough Council’s licensing enforcement officers, with assistance provided by One Legal.


MAN WHO CLASHED WITH POLICE AND FILMED DANCERS DENIED ABERDEEN TAXI LICENCE


A man convicted of assault, aggressive behaviour, and swearing at police and stewards in an Aberdeen strip club has been denied a taxi driver’s licence by North Ayrshire Licensing Com- mittee.


James Murray’s application was refused on Wednesday, November 12, following an objection from Police Scotland, who confirmed he had a “live conviction” that he had failed to declare. The incident took place on July 16, 2024, at Private Eye’s, an adult entertainment venue. Stewards were alerted that Mr Murray was filming dancers, which was against venue rules. After initially complying, he was later approached again for filming


34


and “became aggressive and shouted: ‘I am a f***ing police officer.’”* A Police Scotland spokesman detailed the confrontation: • “He grabbed the steward by the collar and tried to take the radio off his jacket.”


• When police arrived, Mr Murray “refused” to step outside and was escorted out, “continually shout- ing and swearing, calling them “f***ing c***s and police scum.’”


• During his arrest, he “grabbed one of the officers by the body armour and pulled him forward, stating: ‘I will show you what resisting is’.” Mr Murray was subsequently convicted on July 9, 2025, at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, receiving


fines totalling £490 plus a victim surcharge. Police Scotland objected to the licence, stating: “We believe by reason of the above Mr Murray is not a fit and proper person to be granted a taxi driver’s licence.” Mr Murray did not appear before the committee. Councillor Christina Larsen found this “disappointing,” and committee Chair Eleanor Collier noted it was a “relatively serious matter” and that refusing the application would “safeguard the public.” The refusal was proposed and seconded on the grounds that he was “not a fit and proper person” to hold a taxi licence in North Ayrshire, a decision which was agreed by the committee.


DECEMBER 2025 PHTM


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76